Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. 'Flying Around and Having Fun' in Year 2

After missing a handful of games to injury last season, Derek Stingley Jr. is poised for a bounce back year in Houston, and beside Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward, it seems he's already on a path to do so.

Transitioning from being a rookie to a returning player can be difficult in terms of expectations, especially with a new coach.

Last season, Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. experienced the rookie side of NFL football, and when it came time for him to hit the field for the first time, he proved himself. If it weren't for injuries, he could've had a year similar to his rookie counterpart, Jalen Pitre. 

Pitre led all NFL rookies in tackles, playing a large role in Houston finishing in the top 10 for most takeaways, and is now set to have a potential breakout season. That's scary enough as it is for opposing offenses, but Stingley Jr. only adds to that.

Now that he's back suited up and ready to go for Year 2, he's noticing a significant increase in his contributions.

"I'm doing everything," Stingley Jr. said. "I feel like I'm around the ball a lot more. There are more plays to be made."

#Texans corner Derek Stingley Jr., on his pick six today and growth overall as a player @KPRC2 @BallengeeGroup pic.twitter.com/0MHlJJMryC

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 31, 2023

There are more plays to be made indeed, especially for a player as young and athletic as Stingley. He proved that during training camp, too, recording a pick-six on rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud to cap off an impressive showing.

The pick wasn't his first, and it won't be his last, either, but while it seems to be a simple thing in Houston's grand plans, it means more than that to Stingley Jr. himself.

"There's a big difference this year," he said. "We're all communicating, we're all flying around and we're having fun." 

For coach DeMeco Ryans — who's prided himself on team chemistry and brotherhood to this point — having fun is everything. It's not the only important thing, but it does matter. And if Stingley Jr. is feeling it, it's likely that a majority of the defense is feeling it.

And that's absolutely something for opposing teams to watch for next season.

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