Texans CB Desmond King says getting turnovers starts with the mindset

When it rains, it pours.

It takes money to make money.

In the same vein, when turnovers come for a defense, they typically come in bunches.

For Houston Texans cornerback Desmond King, the key to getting takeaways starts inside the heads of each defensive player; it isn’t a magical turn of events.

“It’s more of a mindset,” King said. “It’s how we approach the field. That’s our message each and every day. We want to get the ball. We want to take the ball away from the other offense and win the turnover margin.”

The Texans have done a fabulous job through two preseason games with six takeaways, leading the NFL in the preseason. It is encouragement, even though it’s been in the exhibition season, given Houston recorded just nine in 2020 in a 16-game season, the fewest in the league.

“The more take-aways you get as a defense, the better chances for your team to win,” said King. “That’s our message, and every time we take the field, that’s what we want to do.”

The Texans have even scored immediately off of their takeaways with safety Lonnie Johnson returning an interception for a touchdown in the 20-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 21. If the Texans are able to carry such momentum with turnovers into the regular season, it should keep them competitive each Sunday and not be the weekly doormats pundits predicted in the spring.