Texans All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr. delivers first pick-six interception of his career

HOUSTON – Derek Stingley Jr., reacted at the speed of thought, instinctively peeling back to undercut a swing pass intended for Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty.

It was the kind of rare blend of athleticism, film study and body control Stingley has built a reputation on with his skills paying dividends as he jumped the pass from quarterback Geno Smith for the first pick-six interception of his career.

Stingley scored easily while running behind a convoy of blockers for a 30-yard touchdown. That marked his first touchdown since his senior year of high school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana when he had five touchdowns as a receiver.

Stingley, who was questionable on the injury report with a lingering oblique injury, now has four interceptions for the season.

That ties him with cornerback Kamari Lassiter, nickel Jalen Pitre and safety Calen Bullock with four interceptions apiece.

An All-Pro selection last year, Stingley signed a $90 million contract extension during the offseason

The Texans’ top-ranked defense has 24 takeaways and 18 interceptions this season.

Stingley has 15 career interceptions in four NFL seasons since being drafted third overall out of LSU. Most quarterbacks avoid throwing in his direction. Smith chose not to, and he paid the price.

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com