Quintin Demps has picked off three quarterbacks in the past four weeks: Blake Bortles, Andrew Luck, and Philip Rivers. The nine-year veteran is tied for first among AFC safeties with four picks this season and is sixth among all NFL players.
"Just got to credit the coaches, you know, doing a good job of calling the right plays, calling the right coverages to help me make plays and the front seven for sure, doing their job," Demps said on Texans TV. "We're just playing good football right now."
His performance in Week 15 against the Jaguars earned him a game ball from head coach Bill O'Brien. The Texans starting safety's pick on Jacksonville's final possession sealed the 21-20 win for Houston. In Week 14, Demps picked off Andrew Luck in the first quarter and added a 15-yard return to set up a field-goal drive for Houston. Demps also recorded a career-high two passes defensed in the win over Indianapolis.
"He's good on the back end, making adjustments and getting guys lined up in the right spot," defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said Thursday. "All of those things are important for the position he plays. I think the system fits him well and so as a result, he fits well in the system and is able to play well in the system."
Demps, now in his ninth NFL season, missed three games earlier this season. After suffering a calf injury in Week 5 against Minnesota, he had to work his way back to the practice field. Demps has hit his stride since his Week 9 return at Jacksonville, getting an interception in three of his last four games. Off the field, Demps is a great example and mentor to the younger players, according to head coach Bill O'Brien.
"He's a really good veteran and the fact that he shows up to practice every day," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "He helps us on the scout team. He works on his craft every day after practice. He's really good with the younger players, very good communicator. He's tackled really good for us this year, has got good ball skills. He can return if we need him in that type of capacity, a kickoff returns. So he's a great guy to have in the locker room."
Through 11 starts this year, Demps has recorded 47 tackles (34 solo), one quarterback hit, one tackle for loss, four interceptions, seven passes defensed and one forced fumble.
Check out the best shots from Wednesday's practice as the Texans prepare for the Bengals.
