Jaylin Noel is flat-out excelling this season as a kick and punt returner for the Houston Texans, a role he’s taken on more heavily thanks to some changes in the wide receiver room with the Marvin Harrison Jr trade and Tank Dell coming back. It was all on display during Houston’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, and Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross is beyond pumped about it.
Noel’s Explosion on Special Teams
Against the Jags in London, Noel showed exactly why he’s becoming such a factor. While he only had two yards on his single punt return, his kick return game was on fire, averaging a massive 32.5 yards. That’s not just good, that’s game-changing stuff. Ross is clearly thrilled with Noel’s continued improvement, calling him a “weapon” on special teams, and you can see why. When a guy can flip field position like that, it takes pressure off the entire offense and defense.
“He Is Different. He Is Special.”
Ross didn’t hold back when talking about Noel, telling everyone, “Awesome. It’s always been in there. I’ve told you guys this. I’ve told the team this in front of him. He is different. He is special. Strain your freaking tails off because he can make things happen.” That’s high praise from a coach, especially one who sees the grind every single day. Ross went on to say that confidence can do wonders for a professional athlete, even “a little bit of fake confidence” can get them to the next level. He even sounded surprised by how quickly Noel is making things happen, saying, “I was surprised he made that go ball after running that kick return back to the 30-some-yard line. Then he goes out and the next play, he’s going deep. He’s a weapon. I’m very fired up for him. I’m very proud of him and want to see his confidence continue to shine.” Those are the words of a coach who knows he’s got a rising star on his hands. Noel’s season averages are solid too, clocking in at 8.2 yards per punt return and 26.8 yards per kick return.
Big Test Ahead Against the Giants
This Sunday, Noel and the Texans face the New York Giants, and it’s going to be a real test for him. The Giants’ special teams defense is no joke, allowing an average of only 10.1 yards per punt return and 25.2 yards per kick return this season. Noel’s averaging 8.2 yards per punt return and 26.8 yards per kick return himself, so it’s going to be a clash of strengths. Can Noel’s “different” and “special” confidence continue to shine against a stingy Giants unit? All eyes will be on him to see if he can keep making those game-changing plays.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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