HOUSTON – Derek Stingley Jr. lined up across from Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith just four times Monday night.

That was his coverage assignment, and the Texans All-Pro cornerback emphasized he always does what he’s coached to do, not simply what he feels like doing.

Although Texans coach DeMeco Ryans had stated that the Texans wanted to play aggressive, tight coverage against the leading wide receiver in the NFL, that wasn’t what they wound up doing. Ryans never, as usual, specifically stated what the defensive game plan would be against an elite receiver. The conclusion was drawn by many, though, that Stingley would be paired opposite JSN much more frequently in press coverage. That ultimately wasn’t what transpired, though.

“I feel like any corner likes to be at the

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