Houston Chronicle · Nov 17, 2016
Texans' Benardrick McKinney's skill to be tested by Raiders' backs
One of the big reasons that the Texans' run defense has improved in recent weeks is the hard-hitting presence of inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney.
McKinney is tied for eighth in the NFL with a career-high 80 tackles. The former second-round draft pick from Mississippi State has established personal bests in his second NFL season with three sacks, six quarterback hits and a forced fumble.
"He made a jump toward the end, halfway through last season," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said of McKinney. "I thought he was playing really well last year. He’s playing at a very high level right now.
