One of the big reasons that the Texans' run defense has improved in recent weeks is the hard-hitting presence of inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney.
McKinney is tied for eighth in the NFL with a career-high 80 tackles. The former second-round draft pick from Mississippi State has established personal bests in his second NFL season with three sacks, six quarterback hits and a forced fumble.
"He made a jump toward the end, halfway through last season," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said of McKinney. "I thought he was playing really well last year. He’s playing at a very high level right now.