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DeAndre Houston-Carson was an unsung hero during the Houston Texans' 30-27 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday afternoon. He finished with the second-most tackles for the Texans with seven. And with 9:43 left in the final period, Houston-Carson's interception interfered with the Bengals' first efficient drive of the fourth quarter.
Coach DeMeco Ryans said Houston-Carson's play at Paycor Stadium exemplified the spirit of the 2023 Texans. … but DeAndre tells us he wants more.
"I had some good plays, but there were some I wish I could have back," Houston-Carson exclusively told Texans Daily. "I feel like I could have made a couple more. But it did feel good to be productive. But most importantly, get the win."
The Week 10 contest against the Bengals marked Houston-Carson's fourth game of the season and first as a starter. He filled in the vacancy left by Jimmie Ward, who was out due to an injured hamstring.
Jalen Pitre judged sharing the defensive backfield with Houston-Carson as a success. But Pitre and the Texans almost missed out on the chance of having the eight-year veteran's production in Cincinnati.
Houston-Carson originally signed to the Texans' practice squad roster on Sept. 12. Two weeks later, the Texans released him. He signed for a short stint with the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad on Oct. 3. But due to a thinning defensive backfield, the Texans re-signed Houston-Carson 28 days later.
The consistent moving became a different challenge, given that Houston-Carson spent his first seven years of his career with the Chicago Bears. He found enjoyment, he told us, in learning a pair of defensive schemes within two months. … adding that living apart from his family has been Houston-Carson's lone difficult adjustment.
Houston-Carson said his experience in 2023 has been unusual on an individual level. But he hasn't allowed his circumstances to interfere with his on-field production.
Texans special team coordinator Frank Ross described Houston-Carson as a "professional athlete" who has taken advantage of his opportunity. And Ryans obviously concurs.
"You talk about having a veteran, a true veteran, who comes in — a guy who has been consistent, guy who stepped right in – very smart guy," Ryans said. "Does a great job of communicating, helping out Pitre and the other guys in the back end. He plays with great effort, practices the right way, and it showed up.
"He was able to intercept the ball for us, but no bigger play than DeAndre running – making the run for – I think that was [Ja’Marr] Chase who caught the ball – going in and saving us – not allowing him to get in the end zone, which allowed us to hold them to a field goal. For me, that’s the play of the game."
Since Ward's injury, Houston-Carson has logged 106 defensive snaps, which has helped the Texans improve to 5-4 entering their Week 11 contest against the Arizona Cardinals.
Houston-Carson hopes his productivity with the Texans could result in another chance of stability in the NFL. But for the time being, his top objective is to continue helping the Texans win.
"This organization is world-class," Houston-Carson said. "There's positive energy in every department. There is a good culture in the locker room. It has been fun being here."
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