In a back-and-forth game with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans defenders Whitney Mercilus and Jadaveon Clowney made their presence felt with a huge play.
As Tom Brady was trying to throw, Mercilus hit him from behind — knocking the ball straight up in the air.
Clowney caught it and went in untouched for the score.
.@clownejd has the 🏈
And he’s taking it to the HOUSE.CLOWNEY SPIKE! #Texans https://t.co/JXdHs99rCv
— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2017
The play was ruled a fumble, putting Clowney in the same company as some of the best defenders (and players) in franchise history.
Jadeveon Clowney: 3rd player in @HoustonTexans history w/ 2.0 sacks and a fumble return for TD in a game, joining Mario Williams & J.J. Watt
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) September 24, 2017
That kind of play from the front seven is certainly the biggest reason why this team is a Super Bowl contender. At any moment, a play like that can completely change the course of the game.