New England Patriots, Bill Belichick Weary of Jadeveon Clowney
There will be no J.J. Watt, but the New England Patriots will have their hands full with the ‘naturally gifted’ Jadeveon Clowney.
The New England Patriots enter Saturday nights divisional round playoff game against the Houston Texans as huge favorites, but they will be facing the NFL’s top defense and a player that can be just as disruptive as injured defensive end J.J. Watt.
Selected first overall in the 2014 draft, Texans pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney is having quite a year. Together with Whitney Mecilus, the Houston duo have combined for 13.5 sacks and will present a problem for the Patriots offensive line.
More from New England Patriots
- Former Patriot Stevan Ridley Put Kevin Hart in a Wheelchair
- 3 Patriots Who Can Clinch a Roster Spot in Final Preseason Game
- Patriots Get Win Over Division Rivals Before Season Even Begins
- New Massachusetts Sportsbook Promos: $450 Bonus to Bet on Your Patriots at Caesars + DraftKings
- Ezekiel Elliott Reveals 3 Reasons Why He Signed With Patriots
Left tackle Nate Soldier knows he will have quite the challenge going up against the 6-foot-5 Clowney and protecting Brady.
"“Well, you see the guy, he’s very naturally gifted.” Solder said via the Providence Journal. “He’s big. He’s log. He’s very fast. He’s competitive ad he’s playing really well right now. He’s got some great coaches. They’ve got him doing the right things. Playing real tough ball.”"
If the Texans are to upset the Patriots at Foxboro, it will be because of their defense and their ability to disrupt Tom Brady. Head coach Bill Belichick knows the Texans will attempt to move Clowney around like they have all season to present as much of a problem as possible.
"“He’s been very productive; long, very athletic, good pass rusher, good run player, good tackler, strip sacks, so he’s got really good awareness,” Belichick said. “The interception he made on the screen last week against Oakland was not only a very athletic play, but a very instinctive play for him to recognize that and get out there. Of course, as I said, with his length he’s a tough guy to throw around.”"
Next: David Ortiz Teasing An Entire Nation With Tweet
The Patriots focus will be to neutralize Clowney and make sure he does not cause one of those strip sacks on Brady. If they do allow the talented pass rusher to become disruptive and interrupt the flow of the Patriots passing attack, it could mark of a more competitive game than anticipated.