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How Texans’ Denico Autry is a ‘tough man’ and a difficult blocking assignment ‘just hitting his stride’

Houston Texans defensive end Denico Autry (96) hits Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) as he throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) (Eric Christian Smith, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

HOUSTONDenico Autry, absolutely manhandled Los Angeles Chargers right guard Jamaree Salyer, overpowering him with fast hands and his advanced repertoire of pass rushing moves.

The Texans’ veteran defensive end executed a trademark swipe and swim move over the overmatched blocker’s shoulder pads and helmet to penetrate the backfield.

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And then Autry engulfed towering Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert by grabbing him around torso and slammed him to the ground at NRG Stadium during a 33-12 playoff victory Saturday.

That wasn’t all that Autry did Saturday. He impressively blocked an extra point that cornerback D’Angelo Ross returned for the first two point return in NFL playoff history.

Autry, 34, is finding his footing in the playoffs after missing six games earlier this season serving an NFL suspension for a violation of the league’s performance enhancing drug policy. He continues to deal with a painful lingering knee injury, but has continued to answer the bell for the AFC South champion Texans. He recorded 13 tackles, three sacks and three passes defensed with six quarterback hits during the regular season in 10 games and two starts.

“Seeing Autry and the season that he’s had through all the ups and downs of missing time, just seeing him just stay with it, I couldn’t be more proud of a guy,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Could’ve went left a couple times, but he’s stayed with it. He’s been very persistent and you talk about a tough man who’s been through a lot, a lot of adversity, he’s overcome it and I think, right now, he’s just hitting his stride.

“Watching him this last week versus the Chargers, seeing how effective he was not only in the passing game, but also in the running game, seeing him play with power, seeing him change the game for us on special teams, that was our vision when we decided to sign Denico. And he’s a big-time player for us and when he’s healthy, when he’s on, he’s a lot to deal with. And you throw him in the mix with our other guys, it makes us a very tough front. So, really proud of Denico just for him continuing to persevere through all the ups and downs of the season to be at this point right now, to be at his best when we need his best, it’s really great to see him come through.”

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The push Autry got on the blocked extra point was incredible as he shoved his way into the path of kicker Cameron Dicker’s extra point attempt.

“The other half of it is no one has mentioned Denico Autry,” Texans special teams coordinator Frank Ross said. “We have been working our tails off to try and knock down a kick. Have been missing him in there and he finally gets in there to do it and what a bigger moment. Just steal the momentum right back. "

After signing a two-year, $20 million deal to join the Texans. Autry is the most experienced defensive lineman on the roster. At 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, the North Carolina native and former Mississippi State player has size, strength and versatility working in his favor. He’s capable of bull-rushing blockers or using quickness and unorthodox moves to get to the quarterback.

Autry recorded a career-high 11 1/2 sacks last season for the Tennessee Titans with 17 quarterback hits. For his career, Autry has 62 sacks, 323 tackles, 83 for losses and 113 quarterback hits.

What sets Autry apart from the pack? Grit and versatility. And the Texans have him back along with big defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi to bolster the run-stopping.

“Getting Autry back healthy, he’s a unique inside rusher,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. “Foley is a special player, especially in the run game. He’s stout, he uses his hands. You saw that first third-and-1 stop down the red zone where he really knocked that guy back.

“So, just kind of getting that group really cooking. I mean, you just try to stay out of their way. And again, sort of like all the other positions we talk about, just try to put them in the spots to make those plays and to really maximize their talents and they, as a unit, that was a really good game for all of them for sure.”

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Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com


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Aaron Wilson is an award-winning Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and www.click2houston.com. He has covered the NFL since 1997, including previous stints for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. This marks his 10th year covering the Texans after previously covering a Super Bowl winning team in Baltimore.