Houston Texans' Blake Cashman is returning to the Big Apple to face his former team in the New York Jets. When Cashman left the Jets via a trade to the Texans in March of 2022, he was a former fifth round pick who was still trying to find his way in the NFL.
Cashman has played a significant role in the Texans' success nearly two years since his final game in New York.
The veteran linebacker is in the middle of a career season. In 11 appearances with 10 starts, Cashman has recorded 84 tackles, including nine for loss, five pass deflections, two sacks and one interception.
"I am excited about this game," Cashman said. "I think it is a fun opportunity to have a chance to go up against your former colleagues. I am thankful for the opportunity they gave me. But now, it is time to go up against them and compete."
Cashman's best performance came during the Texans' 21-16 victory on Nov. 19 against the Arizona Cardinals. While starting at middle linebacker for the first time in his career, Cashman had his best game with 19 tackles, two quarterback hits and a pass deflection in the win.
Cashman's performance led to league-wide recognition when the NFL awarded him AFC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season. He became the first player in franchise history to receive the defensive honor in the same season since J.J. Watt in 2018.
Cashman's success is a testament to the offseason he dedicated to improving his game. However, his lone season playing under Jets coach Robert Saleh resulted in a blueprint once coach DeMeco Ryans began to install a similar defensive strategy.
"What I’ve seen from Blake is the more he’s got in, the more opportunities he’s gotten – he continues to show up and make plays," Ryans said. "He was always productive on the ball, and it showed in training camp, so it’s no surprise that he gets into the game and has PBU [pass break ups], big-time plays and continues to show up.
"Blake has done a great job with what he’s been given. The opportunities that he’s been given he has shown up and he’s made big-time plays for us, and he’s earned the right to get more time."
Cashman is hoping to have a great game Sunday at MetLife Stadium. But an extraordinary performance against the Jets isn't about making a statement to his former team. He is trying to do everything to help the Texans reach the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
Cashman is motivated by winning after five consecutive years of losing in New York and Houston.
"To finally get a taste of winning and to see what it looks like, I am so hungry," Cashman said. "We still have a long way to go and games to play, but I have full confidence in this team."
Throughout three seasons, Cashman appeared in 14 games with the Jets. While registering 49 tackles, a majority of Cashman's snaps with New York came on special teams.
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