Day 12 of Houston Texans training camp started differently from how third-year cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. wanted it to.
During one-on-one drills with the wide receivers, Stingley was beaten on a route by Stefon Diggs. The former third overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft was disappointed in himself which was evident by the gestures he was making as he made his way back to the sidelines.
Yet, one of the most vital attributes that Stingley has possessed since his high school and college playing days in Louisiana is his ability to move on to the next play. He doesn’t allow his mistakes to haunt him; he embraces them and recovers by ensuring they don’t happen again, which became evident as the practice continues.
Stingley had two interceptions on the day against quarterback C.J. Stroud, which brings his total to four during training camp.
The first takeaway happened in the matchup with receiver Nico Collins, who ran a fade route up the right sideline and appeared open. Stingley used a bait tactic to lure Stroud into attempting to complete the pass to Collins.
As the ball was in the air, the distance between the two shortened, and by the end of the play, Stingley had the interception. What happened next surprised his teammates and the media members in attendance.
With the ball secured, Stingley hopped to his feet and threw it back toward the offense, suggesting that they not try that play on him again.
“I think Sting is one of the best ball corners in the league,” said Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke. “He’s got elite ball skills. He’s big and powerful. He’s always tight in coverage but can go snatch it. I think that’s probably one of his superpowers. So, it doesn’t surprise me when he goes and makes those types of plays.”
The former two-time All-American at LSU next interception came against receiver Tank Dell, who, like Collins, appeared to have him beat. However, Stingley read the route perfectly, broke on the ball, and returned it to the end zone for a “Pick Six.”
His two-interception performance was reminiscent of what garnered him Week 13 AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2023.
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| Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. Prepares For Battle Against Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs |
Stingley, 23, who missed the final eight games of his rookie season and six out of the first eight games in 2023 due to lower body injuries, had a tremendous second half of the season, finishing with five interceptions in the final nine games. He also recorded at least one interception for three consecutive games from Week 11 through Week 13.
That is why he has expressed genuine joy about playing in a consistent defensive scheme that highlights his strengths for a second season.
“This defense puts me in a position to see the ball,” Stingley said exclusively to Big Sarge Media after Wednesday’s practice. “I am able to play the receiver and put myself in position to see the ball and make a play on the ball.
“Anytime I am able to see the ball, whenever the receiver sees it, I feel like I can make something happen. Personally, I like to say that I am well-rounded. If I am in man, press or off [the ball], if I just stick to my keys, I can get the job done.”
With the mantra of “Iron Sharpens Iron” implemented with the hiring of head coach DeMeco Ryans, Stingley lives that phrase as he is continuously matched up against some very good NFL wide receivers in Collins, Diggs, and Dell every practice.
It is similar to his playing days at LSU in 2019 when he lined up against future NFL receivers Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings), Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals), and Terrence Marshall Jr. (Carolina Panthers) as a freshman.
“You got all types of receivers (Texans) doing different things,” Stingley said about his matchups in training camp. “Diggs is going to do what Diggs does. Tank is quick and can go down the field, and Nico can pretty much do anything, and he is also tall. At LSU, it was the same thing with Ja’Marr and Justin.”
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| Rookie CB Kamari Lassiter Receiving Instructions From Defensive Backs Coach Dino Vasso |
The Texans have a very talented team on both sides of the ball. They drafted college players who could make an impact in their rookie season. Former University of Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who is slated to start this season, picks Stingley’s brain every opportunity he can.
According to defensive backs coach Dino Vasso, the two have built a very good relationship.
“Kamari is a sponge,” said Vasso. “Sting has been in this scheme, so after meetings and practice, you will see them talking through things. Whether it is splits or something schematic, Kamari is a sponge soaking up everything from him.”
Football runs in Stingley’s family. His grandfather, Darryl, was a first-round draft pick of the New England Patriots in 1973, and after his college baseball days, his father, Derek Stingley Sr., played in the Arena Football League from 1995-2004. Once his playing days were done, he became a head coach and defensive coordinator in the AFL from 2005-216.
That is why it is never unusual to see Stingley go through a grueling practice and still have his helmet on afterward as if he is ready to practice another two hours.
“I think about plays that should have been made all the time,” Stingley said jokingly when asked if he ever stops thinking about football. “If I could turn it off, I would, but I enjoy it.”