Two huge plays for the Texans linebacker leads the day on defense

Player of the game: Mercilus' huge day helps Texans to sloppy 13-12 win

Cody Stoots
Sep 15, 2019, 2:03 pm
Zach Tarrant/Houstontexans.com

When the Houston Texans needed a play the most on defense, Whitney Mercilus was there.

With both teams stalling out on offense drive after drive the Texans had the Jaguars pinned deep in their own territory. As rookie Gardner Minshew dropped back to pass Mercilus went almost untouched after hitting the Jaguars tackle with a spin move. The ball squirted away where J.J. Watt recovered it.

"Now I get to do what I do best and tee it up," said Whitney Mercilus after the game.

It is the first time he has had three sacks in the first two games. It is the seventh time in his career Mercilus has had at least two sacks in a two game stretch.

"I think our guys rushed the passer hard," Bill O'Brien said after the game.

O'Brien praised Minshew's mobility and toughness against the Texans defense. Mercilus had equal praise for the Jaguars rookie.

It was the second time Mercilus had got home and caused a fumble for the Texans. Earlier in the day he beat his man again and engulfed Minshew causing a fumble. The Jaguars used extra help a couple of time on Mercilus and though his only stats came on those two tackles, he had quite the effect on the game.

Mercilus has been a terror and the best pass rusher on the team since returning to his natural position rushing the passer. Last week he had a key interception for the defense. Through two games he has been the defensive MVP for the team.

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Week 8 working the waiver wire: Still waters run deep

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Alright, let's see which free agents are still available. Keep in mind the owner % mentioned is for 10-team standard ESPN leagues. Some of these players below are good for the short-term, while others have more long-term value. You have to make the call on what your team needs. Immediate help to start this week, or a player to stash on your bench and hope he breaks out. Let's get started.

QB

Matthew Stafford: He's coming off a huge game against the Vikings where he threw for over 300 yards and had 4 TDs. This week he gets the Giants, so he should have another big game. He's rostered in less than half of ESPN standard 10-team leagues.

Kirk Cousins: The Vikings are throwing the ball more, and he has back-to-back games with over 300 yards and 4TDs. He has a great matchup against the Redskins this week, so use him. He's rostered in less than 40% of standard leagues.

Jacoby Brissett: If you're digging a little deeper, Brissett is out there in 50% of leagues, and he plays the Broncos at home this week. He's coming off a 4TD game against Houston, so he could help you out this week if you need him.

Derek Carr: If you're playing in a deep league, Carr could perform for you in a pinch. He's widely available and has a good matchup against the Texans who are dealing with multiple injuries to their secondary.

RB

Jamaal Williams: The matchup couldn't be any better with him playing the Chiefs this week. He's still available in 45% of standard leagues.

Chase Edmonds: What a game for Edmonds. With David Johnson still trying to get healthy, you could do worse than Edmonds. His matchup against the Saints isn't ideal, but if you need a RB, he might come through again. He's still available in almost 70% of 10-team ESPN leagues. You might have to just start him and hope for the best. David Johnson's health is still a bit of a mystery.

Darrell Henderson: He's not a guy you can start with any confidence, but he could be a league winner later in the year if Gurley goes down. He's rostered in 25% of leagues.

Kareem Hunt: You won't be able to use him until week 10, but he's good insurance for Nick Chubb, and he might end up with a lot of work in the passing game.

WR

Kenny Stills: It looks like Will Fuller won't be back anytime soon, so Stills should be Watson's main deep threat for a while. He has a good matchup against Oakland this week, and he's widely available.

Corey Davis: Now that Ryan Tannehill is playing QB for the Titans, Davis might become a relevant fantasy option. He's only rostered in 44% of leagues.

Phillip Dorsett: He came back from injury and scored on Monday night, so he could be a nice flex option with Josh Gordon's injury issues. He's rostered in 33% of leagues, so pick him up.

Allen Lazard: He's a decent flex option until Devante Adams returns if you're desperate.

TE

Jared Cook: He missed Sunday's game against the Bears, so he might have been dropped. TE is ugly. That is all.

Chris Herndon: He's been hurt after finally coming off suspension. Pick him up if you need him, and hope he gets healthy soon. He's available in 80% of leagues.

Defense

If the Steelers are on your waiver wire, add them this week. They play the Dolphins.

If you have any questions, feel free to hit me up on Twitter. Be sure to check out my show MoneyLine with Jerry Bo on ESPN 97.5FM. We're on every Sunday morning from 10-noon, and we'll talk a lot of fantasy football and NFL gambling getting you ready for kickoff every Sunday.

@JoshJordan975

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