Jonathan Greenard raised his season total of sacks to a career-high ten on Sunday against New York with two sacks.
At MetLife Stadium, Greenard and the Texans lost to the Jets, 30–6, but the defensive end made history by being the first Texan to record 10 or more in a season since J.J. Watt in 2018.
The fourth-year professional was pleased with his accomplishment. Greenard, however, is focused on the final four games of 2023 and expressed disappointment with the Texans’ defeat.
“That’s a goal I have for myself: obviously to get to that double digits,” Greenard stated. It’s thrilling. I am aware that we still have four games left. We obviously didn’t receive the dub.”
In the fourth quarter, Greenard took Zach Wilson down twice for loses of nine and seven yards, respectively. In addition, he broke up a pass, recorded a tackle for a yard gain, and recorded a tackle for no gain.
Speaking on Monday, DeMeco Ryans stated that he has observed “good things” from Greenard, who the head coach described as having “a productive year” thus far.
Other than Greenard and Watt, only three other Texans have ever concluded a season with ten or more sacks: Whitney Mercilus (2015), Connor Barwin (2011), and Mario Williams (2007 and 2008). In the five years between 2012 and 2018, Watt did this.
Greenard had eight sacks in 2021 but was only able to play in four games due to injuries in 2022. He put a lot of effort into honing his craft in order to be ready for this year.
“We all know playing D-line and playing in the NFL, period, it’s an innovative league,” Greenard stated. You have to always be improving and anticipating how others will counterattack you. Recognize the ways in which you must counter those. Thus, I was aware of my areas for improvement as well as my weaknesses when playing particular opponents.”
Greenard studied with current Texans teammate Sheldon Rankins at Louisville during his time as an undergraduate. While Greenard was starting his college career, the defensive tackle was wrapping up his own. Rankins is pleased with the progress the younger defensive end has made for Greenard during this “lights out” season.
“He was a freshman my senior year, and I told him then that if he continues to work, he’s going to be special,” Rankins recalled. Thus, I don’t find it surprising that he’s having the kind of year he is, considering his innate talent, his method of operation, and how he readies himself to be a playmaker on Sundays.”
This season, Greenard has been credited with multiple sacks in a single game three times, most recently on Sunday.
GET MORE NEWS HERE