HOUSTON – For new Texans defensive tackle Naquan Jones, joining the top-ranked defense is a privilege.
Claimed off waivers this week from the Los Angeles Chargers, Jones is excited to go from one potential playoff team to another.
Especially in a defense ranked first in fewest points and yards allowed in the NFL.
“It means a lot, especially coming from a place where the defense was stout,” Jones told KPR2. “Being able to join a defense like this that shows you can’t miss a step. I can’t come in here and be behind the curve. I got to basically play up and fulfill that role. Whatever it is they’re asking me to do, coming here with guys like Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson, guys coming off the edge, just being able to contribute and fill my role within that.”
Jones got some snaps during practice this week to be prepared in case he’s active Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
“Absolutely, I didn’t want to come in here and miss a beat,” Jones said. “Just fulfill my role, do all the little things right. It’s a different style than what I’m used to being on other teams. I’m coming along. All the guys are teaching me everything, staying extra with coaches and learning. Hopefully, I get in there and make an early contribution.”
Jones (6-foot-3, 313 pounds) has played in 56 career games with eight starts, recording 99 tackles, 6 1/2 sacks, 12 tackles for losses and nine quarterback hits.
Jones, 27, has previous stints with the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles.
He recorded 10 tackles, one for a loss and one pass deflection in eight games for the Chargers.
“Obviously an opportunity to bring Naquan in with a bigger body that’s played NFL football this year in the league,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. “So, we like to bring a lot of guys in that room and roll it through and trying to get them up to speed on our techniques and our style and how we play and where we want them to go. But I think he’s just a good professional NFL defensive tackle.”
Jones has a familiarity with the AFC South from his time with the Titans.
He’s played against them already this year and now another of his former teams Sunday against Arizona.
“It’s fun,” Jones said. “I got a revenge game coming up this Sunday against Arizona, and then two weeks from now against the Chargers. You’ve got to be ready. It’s right up my alley.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
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