Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans Preview: The Return of Brock

Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) and nose tackle Sylvester Williams (92) and middle linebacker Todd Davis (51) and inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) before a down against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) and nose tackle Sylvester Williams (92) and middle linebacker Todd Davis (51) and inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) before a down against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
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Jadeveon Clowney
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans Defense

The Denver Broncos offensive line is going to be up for a tough challenge going against the Texans defensive line.  2014 number one overall pick Jadaveon Clowney is finally healthy, and showing exactly why he was taken with the number one pick in the draft.  His bull rush is something that is simply other-worldly.  Clowney will rush from either side, so both Stephenson and Okung need to be prepared for a physical battle.  Clowney can use pure force to drive back even the best of tackles, and has been brilliant thus far sans J.J. Watt.

Whitney Mercilus is having himself a fine season from the outside linebacker position as he has already tallied 4.5 sacks on the year.  He will be another tough task to block in trying to keep Trevor Siemian upright, provided Siemian is healthy enough to play come Sunday.

Cornerback Jonathan Joseph will be available for the game, however Bill O’Brien stated that second year cornerback Kevin Johnson will likely miss the season with a foot injury that will likely require surgery.

It is a tough blow for the Texans, as Johnson is key for the Texans in nickel situations, playing as the third cornerback.  Look for the Broncos to pick on corner A.J. Bouye when the Texans go into their nickel defense.

Schedule