A classic rip move created the pathway Rasheem Green wanted. His charge into the backfield sent Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford crashing to the ground for a sack.
A powerful bull rush from Green toppled Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers for another sack.
In the snow, a relentless chase and a hard hit from Green brought down Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles.
It was a breakthrough season for the former USC standout defensive end and third-round draft pick, his final one with the Seattle Seahawks before signing a one-year contract with the Texans worth $3.25 million with $1 million guaranteed.
In the wake of his career-high 6 1/2 sacks, six tackles for losses, 48 tackles and 15 quarterback hits Green expressed confidence and hope that he's primed for bigger things going forward since joining the Texans.
"My style of play: fast, smart and physical," Green said. "I feel like I left a lot of plays out there. I think that was just the tip of the iceberg. I think there's a lot more out there I can achieve with what we have going on here. I can do a little more."
Green, 24, is regarded as an ascending player and a strong fit for the Texans' traditional 4-3 defensive scheme under coach Lovie Smith.
After visiting the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens in free agency, Green chose the Texans in May after the Texans didn't draft a pass rusher.
"It's nice being here," Green said. "The guys have welcomed me. The culture, the city is great. The team is awesome. I like what we've got going on here and I'm just glad to be a part of the team. With the scheme we run here, I feel it suits me well, too."
Green has the requisite size, speed, strength and moves working in his favor.
He has recorded 94 career tackles, 13 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 27 quarterback hits.
After visiting the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens in free agency, Green chose the Texans and joined a defensive end group that includes Jonathan Greenard, who led the Texans with eight sacks last season, Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison, Ogbo Okoronkwo and Jordan Jenkins.
It's a competitive situation and a proving ground for Green and several pass rushers.
"How does it make us better individually, I feel like it pushes us to be the best we can be each day," Green said. "We all have personal goals, but, at the end of the day, we have team goals and we're pushing towards that same goal. I feel like the guys we have in the room, we're pushing ourselves on and off the field to be the best that we can be."
A former high school All-American growing up in California, Green declared for the NFL draft after his junior year and finished with 115 tackles and 16 1/2 sacks in three college seasons.
Green has been growing on and off the field. He came into his own after dealing with a speech impediment as a child. That led to him being shy, but he has gained confidence and overcame the issue.
"It made me a real shy person," Green said. "Getting better at my speech has made me a more confident person. That’s really helped me on and off the field.”
The latest change for Green is adapting to the Texans heat.
"I feel like the temperature isn't too crazy, but is hard to cool off with how humid it is," Green said. "It's nice. My skin feels great. I deal with it. Nothing too crazy, I make sure I get my sleep and that I stretch a lot."
The Texans, coming off a 4-13 season, promoted Smith to head coach as the replacement for David Culley. They're hoping that additions of hungry, talented players like Green can help them engineer a turnaround under Smith and general manager Nick Caserio's leadership.
"I feel like it's nice to be a part of the change," Green said. "It's always nice to be a part of the reason why the franchise turned around. We're just out here trying to get wins."
Aaron Wilson is a Pro Football Network reporter and analyst and a contributor to Sports Talk 790.