logo
Texans DB Calen Bullock already looking like a steal with another promising practice

Texans DB Calen Bullock already looking like a steal with another promising practice

USA Today2 days ago
Following every practice, the Houston Texans must be pinching themselves to make sure they're not dreaming of another promising rep from Calen Bullock.
The second-year defensive back has been arguably not only the most improved player from the 2024 AFC South champions' roster, but also perhaps the most valuable name in coverage. Every day, it seems like fans and reporters can't stop talking about a highlight moment where No. 2 was the No. 1 talking point.
Certainly C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. deserve their flowers entering Year 3. Stroud has made some impressive throws during camp, including a pair of touchdown passes to Dalton Schultz in the red zone. Anderson, who recorded his first double-digit sack season last fall, has been so dominant that Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is starting to get nervous that the former No. 3 pick will soon be touching the quarterback since he's already too close.
But Bullock, who last season totaled five interceptions, has been consistently making plays in coverage and not just pass breakups. No, most of his moments end with the ball in his hands and a turnover for the offense.
Take Wednesday's practice, for instance. Stroud tried to throw a deep post route to Nico Collins, which usually is a nightmare for defensive backs to cover. Not Bullock though. He stayed with the Pro Bowl in step formation over 20 yards downfield to cause the deflection.
If the ball hung in the air any longer, he'd have come down with the interception. Don't worry, there will be another must-see play in the coming days before the regular season where the ball lands in his hands.
And yes, that's bound to happen. The Texans have had seven practices since training camp broke. In six of them, Bullock has picked off at least one pass.
The Texans return to training camp practice on Friday morning.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Former NFL LB says battling 49ers' superstar made him question his football future
Former NFL LB says battling 49ers' superstar made him question his football future

USA Today

time25 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Former NFL LB says battling 49ers' superstar made him question his football future

San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams has been one of the best players at his position in the league since Washington took him in the first round (No. 4 overall) of the 2010 NFL draft after earning All-Big 12 honors twice and All-American honors once at Oklahoma. Williams was named a starter right away in Washington and made the Pro Bowl every year there from 2012-18. He also earned second-team All-Pro honors once (2015). Washington traded Williams to San Francisco in 2020, and he's made another four Pro Bowls and has earned All-Pro honors three times. While Williams' legendary play on the field is discussed regularly around the league, it's always interesting to hear a player talk about what it's like to try to pass rush against the former Sooner. Former NFL linebacker Jonathan Casillas did just that in a recent appearance on "The Champ and the Tramp" podcast earlier this week. "Y'all know Trent Williams? The left tackle? [Expletive] beast," Casillas said. "All week long, I know I'm going against Trent. Most tackles, I can beat because I'm faster and slicker than them. I can't beat Trent. He's too quick, and he's dirty. So, he's gonna grab me or push me, and I'm screwed because I'm not that big. He's got me by 100 pounds... That week, I know I have to go at him. I got to go into him, like boom and then go. So, during the game, I'm getting him. We're going at it. I'm banging with him. Then, after the game, I'm on the flight, and I can't turn my neck. This was the first time that my brain was like 'What the [expletive] are you doing?'" Lining up against Williams in the trenches seems like hell, and it's no wonder that he had players contemplating their future in football after playing a full game against him. Williams missed seven games in 2024, and if the 49ers want to reach their potential in 2025, they'll need Williams to not only be on the field but also need him to play like the 11-time Pro Bowler he is. He's already guaranteed a spot in Canton five years after he calls it a career, but continuing to play well into his late 30s will only add to his legendary resume. More 49ers: Why 49ers top draft pick has already impressed his new coach

WATCH: Eric Allen's Hall of Fame enshrinement speech
WATCH: Eric Allen's Hall of Fame enshrinement speech

USA Today

time25 minutes ago

  • USA Today

WATCH: Eric Allen's Hall of Fame enshrinement speech

Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Eric Allen: "Football incentivizes what's special about football. The pursuit of excellence, in short, calls for everything you've got." Eric Allen was the epitome of a shutdown cornerback during his time with the Eagles, and the accolades for his hard work are close to being realized. The former Eagles cornerback was initially named one of the 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2025 class. It was the first time Allen had reached this point in the voting process. After years of waiting, Allen was one of four players elected into the 2025 class and properly enshrined into immortality with Sterling Sharpe, Jared Allen, and Antonio Gates. The former Eagles cornerback was third on the list and let out a 'Fly Eagles Fly' to kick off his five-minute speech. A key member of the Eagles' No. 1-ranked and famed Gang Green defense, Allen spent seven seasons with the Eagles. He was named to the Pro Bowl five times and was an All-Pro once, after the 1989 season, when he finished second in the NFL with eight interceptions. Allen was inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2011.

39 days until the Texans' 2025 season opener: Who has worn No.39?
39 days until the Texans' 2025 season opener: Who has worn No.39?

USA Today

time25 minutes ago

  • USA Today

39 days until the Texans' 2025 season opener: Who has worn No.39?

The Houston Texans are less than 40 days away from kicking off the 2025 season in Los Angeles against the Rams at SoFi Stadium and we're counting down the days until a victory ensues on the West Coast. Texans Wire will daily inform you which player has worn the number of the day leading up to kickoff and select the player who best represented the number during their time at NRG Stadium. As for today, let's take a look at who has worn No. 39 since the inaugural season in 2002. Texans players to wear No. 39 No. 39 currently belongs to third-year linebacker Herny To'oTo'o. As a rookie out of Alabama, To'oTo'o served as the No. 3 backer behind Christian Harris and Blake Cashman while being a stable option on special teams. Last season, Harris missed a majority of camp with a calf injury, leading to To'oTo'o having an expanded role. After a breakout sophomore campaign, the job is To'oTo'o's to lose. He led the Texans in tackles last with 105 stops and finished fourth in tackles for loss with eight. Throughout training camp, he's been the anchor on the weakside opposite Azeez Al-Shaair and should be considered the favorite to lock down the starting job with Harris missing more time. Best Player: Henry To'oTo'o Even though he's only been here two years, To'oTo'o already has the most tackles from anyone who wore the No. 39. Ballentine deserves some credit, but he switched over to No. 27 after the 2009 campaign, so he only wore the jersey when he served as a reserve option. If To'oTo'o has another promising season, the Texans could elect to lock him up on a team-friendly but stable deal to keep him in Houston long-term. He's one of a handful of names worthy of discussing a new contract with and could be an option that signs on the dotted line next offseason ahead of a contract year.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store