In just his second NFL season, Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s premier shutdown defenders. The former 3rd overall draft pick out of LSU has been tasked with a daunting weekly challenge: cover the opposition’s top wide receiver, mano-a-mano. And so far, Stingley is passing this trial by fire with flying colors.
Drawing Tough Assignments
Week after week, Texans defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has deployed his star cornerback on an island against some of the NFL’s most dangerous wideouts. In Week 2, it was the Bears’ DJ Moore. Against the Cowboys in Week 11, Stingley drew the CeeDee Lamb assignment. No matter the matchup, the second-year pro welcomes the challenge.
“When I think back to when I was a little kid seeing [Darrelle] Revis doing that then being in that position is kind of crazy. It feels good because then I ain’t gotta worry about my dad getting on me after the game.”
– Derek Stingley Jr. on being tasked with covering top receivers
Stingley’s advanced metrics paint the picture of an elite cover man. According to Next Gen Stats, among NFL corners with 50+ targets, he’s allowing the lowest completion rate (47.5%) and fewest yards per target (5.5). Quarterbacks targeting Stingley have a measly 61.8 passer rating, 8th lowest in the league.
Breakout Performance vs. Cowboys
In the Texans’ decisive 34-10 victory over Dallas, Stingley matched up against Lamb on 17 routes. The results: 2 catches allowed for 19 yards, 2 pass deflections, and an interception. Lamb became visibly frustrated, even drawing an offensive pass interference penalty trying to prevent another Stingley pick.
Stingley has 12 passes defensed on the season, tied for 2nd most in the NFL. With 2 interceptions, he’s on pace to match or exceed his impressive 5-pick rookie total despite increased attention from opposing quarterbacks. As his coach DeMeco Ryans puts it, Stingley is simply “playing at a high level right now.”
Rising to the Occasion
Even in defeat, Stingley’s tenacious coverage skills stand out. In Week 10’s loss to the Jets, the young corner was charged with covering a gauntlet of dangerous receivers in Davante Adams, Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams, often with no safety help over the top. On 31 routes against that trio, Stingley was targeted 8 times, allowing just 3 receptions for 22 yards.
While the Texans are still finding their footing as a team, their luminous cornerback is fast becoming a bonafide star. If Stingley maintains this trajectory, he’ll soon join the ranks of Jalen Ramsey and Patrick Surtain II as the NFL’s preeminent lockdown defenders. For Houston, having a legitimate #1 corner to erase top receivers is an invaluable building block.
Hunting More Interceptions
Elite corners make elite plays, and Stingley has his sights set on more game-changing interceptions moving forward. He hauled in 5 picks as a rookie but has just 2 so far this season, a number he’s determined to improve. According to the youngster, a few fluky missed opportunities are all that’s holding him back from leading the league.
“People are gonna say ‘these just excuses, just catch the ball’ which is very true, but I have legitimate reasons. One of them, my towel was in my face for some strange reason. The [Detroit] Lions’ one I had a little stumble right before I jumped then I lost the ball.”
– Derek Stingley Jr. on his dropped interception chances
Self-critiques aside, it’s clear Stingley has the instincts and ball skills to be a massive playmaker for years to come. Next up is the Tennessee Titans and quarterback Will Levis, who’s thrown 8 picks in 7 games. Don’t be surprised if Stingley adds to that total on Sunday.
Limitless Potential
From the moment he was drafted 3rd overall in 2019, Derek Stingley Jr. has been earmarked for greatness. The grandson of former Patriots’ receiver Darryl Stingley, the LSU alum was born to play football at its highest level. Now, he’s making good on that immense promise, taking the NFL by storm with his rare combination of athleticism, technique, and competitive fire.
As Stingley continues to excel against the NFL’s best, his star will only shine brighter. Under the tutelage of head coach DeMeco Ryans and his staff, the Texans’ young cornerstone has the potential to become an all-time great. For fans in Houston and around the league, watching this gifted defender blossom into an undisputed shutdown corner is an exhilarating development.
