The Texans didn’t have their cleanest outing in Week 16, especially on the offensive side of the ball. But when the offense stalls, great teams find other ways to win - and Houston leaned on its defense to get the job done.
Leading that charge? Derek Stingley Jr., who made his presence felt early and often in a gritty 23-21 win over the Raiders.
Stingley wasted no time putting his stamp on the game. In the first quarter, he jumped a route and took an interception 31 yards to the house, giving the Texans an early jolt of momentum.
It wasn’t just a highlight-reel play - it was a tone-setter in a game where points were hard to come by. That pick-six gave Houston a much-needed cushion and reminded everyone why Stingley was such a highly touted prospect coming out of college.
But his impact didn’t stop there. Stingley finished the game with two tackles and forced a fumble on Raiders tight end Michael Mayer.
The ball unfortunately bounced out of bounds, but the play still showcased Stingley’s physicality and awareness. He wasn’t just locking down receivers - he was actively creating chaos and opportunities for his defense.
The league took notice. Stingley was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week, marking the third time in three seasons he’s earned that honor.
That kind of consistency speaks volumes. He’s not just a young corner with potential - he’s becoming one of the most reliable playmakers on a defense that’s quietly turning into a force.
Now, with the playoffs within reach, the Texans are staring down a crucial matchup against the Chargers on Saturday. A win would punch their ticket to the postseason, and you can bet Stingley will be a key figure in that push. If Houston’s offense can find its rhythm and the defense continues to fly around like it did against Vegas, this team could be a real problem in January.
For now, though, it’s clear: when the Texans needed a spark, Derek Stingley Jr. lit the fire.