HOUSTON, TX- SEPTEMBER 07: Houston Texans linebacker Brooks Reed #58 celebrates making a defensive stop against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter on September 7, 2014 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)

Houston (CBS Houston) – Brooks Reed played one of the best football games of his life against the Washington Redskins this past Sunday, and he hopes that is just the start of something special.

“I’ve been looking to have a breakout year,” Reed said.

He couldn’t have started any better than he did. Reed caused havoc all game long for the Redskins offense. He totaled five tackles to go along with his one sack. His impact wasn’t felt on just the stat sheet though. He disrupted many plays setting up teammates to make plays as well.

The start was a unique one for Reed.

“I’ve never started a season with a sack,” he said. “Just to have that, felt really good. Kind of showed me that a lot of my off-season work is kind of coming to fruition.”

This year couldn’t be any bigger for Reed. It is his fourth in the league and at the end of the year he will need a new contract. With a successful year, Reed could be in line for a contract similar to former Texans player Connor Barwin. Barwin elected to sign with Philadelphia for six years and $36 million before last season.

He knows none of his expected accomplishments will be achieved without staying healthy and working hard. His hard work on the practice field will set him up for success in games.

Reed said the coaching staff has to have faith a player can accomplish what is asked in practice and the player then has to showcase their ability to execute successfully. With a good practice, he said, the coaches continue to call the player’s number.

“It really comes down to how well you practice,” Reed said.

The outside linebacker was the recipient of a game ball after Sunday’s win and he said that it meant a lot and made him feel like his work between seasons was paying off.

A Texans team with a “breakout” Brooks Reed could be a team breaking out as well.

“Hopefully this is the right year to do it.”

Get in touch with Cody Stoots on Twitter – @Cody_Stoots

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