BENARDRICK McKINNEY, INSIDE LINEBACKER
He was a bright spot on a bleak afternoon for a defense that gave up three touchdown passes. McKinney led the defense with 12 tackles, including eight unassisted. He recorded the Texans' only sack. He also hit quarterback Philip Rivers two times.
WHITNEY MERCILUS, OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
He was outstanding against the run. Mercilus had four unassisted tackles, three of them for losses. He's a big reason the Texans allowed only 67 yards rushing. They limited Melvin Gordon to 70 on 17 carries. He also had two hits on the quarterback.