Quintin Demps was willing it to happen and it did. He scored a defensive touchdown for the first time in his eight-year NFL career on Sunday.
"It was a good feeling, man," Demps said. "I've been saying it all year, I need to score on defense just for myself. I'm just glad Jack (Kareem Jackson) knocked it out and being able to run to the ball. At this time of year, you got to run to the ball. This late in the year, stuff like that happens."
Demps recovered a fumble returned it 33 yards for a touchdown in the 34-6 win over the Titans. Kareem Jackson forced the fumble on Tennessee running back Antonio Andrews with 13:01 remaining in the first quarter. The Texans took an early 7-0 lead in Tennessee after Houston's defense scored on the Titans opening series.
"I think Jack (Kareem Jackson) did a good job of knocking it out," Demps said. "I knew all week we had to run to the ball. I was just doing my job and running to the ball and sure enough, it came out. Like a kid in a candy store, I picked it up and scored a touchdown."
The Texans, who forced four turnovers in the victory, have kept teams scoreless for five-consecutive quarters extending back to last week's win in Indianapolis. Houston's streak ended when Zach Mettenberger threw his lone touchdown of the day with under two minutes remaining in the game.
Demps says the formula for success has been simple for the Texans defense, which has been gaining momentum in the final stretch of the season.
"I think it's just role players and everybody doing their job," Demps said. "It's that simple. Do your job and play fast." The interception is the second this year for the starting safety, who also picked off Jameis Winston on Sept. 27. With two tackles in the first quarter, Demps also eclipsed his previous single-season career high of 54 tackles, finishing with 57 through Week 16.
The Texans got set for their Week 16 matchup at Tennessee.
