Texans' Benardrick McKinney's skill to be tested by Raiders' backs

Recommended Video:

One of the big reasons that the Texans' run defense has improved in recent weeks is the hard-hitting presence of inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney.

McKinney is tied for eighth in the NFL with a career-high 80 tackles. The former second-round draft pick from Mississippi State has established personal bests in his second NFL season with three sacks, six quarterback hits and a forced fumble.

"He made a jump toward the end, halfway through last season," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said of McKinney. "I thought he was playing really well last year. He’s playing at a very high level right now.

"He got a game ball for the game on Sunday against Jacksonville. He’s tackling well. He has a very good understanding of our defense, communicating well with his teammates. So, yeah, he’s playing really well.”

At 6-4, 260 pounds, McKinney is much bigger than most inside linebackers. He has excellent speed with a 4.65 time in the 40-yard dash and has a 40 1/2 inch vertical leap.

His athleticism will be tested this week against Raiders running backs Latavius Murray, DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard.

Houston Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) stops Detroit Lions fullback Zach Zenner (34) at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, in Houston. less Houston Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) stops Detroit Lions fullback Zach Zenner (34) at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Oct. ... more Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close Texans' Benardrick McKinney's skill to be tested by Raiders' backs 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

Murray is a power back at 6-2, 230 pounds who's rushed for 393 yards and eight touchdowns.

Washington is a scat back from Texas Tech from Marshall High in Missouri City. He's rushed for 302 yards.

And Richard has gained 279 yards, including a 75-yard run.

"They're great running backs," McKinney said. "We have to do what we do every week and that's tackle and fly to the ball."

The Raiders have a huge offensive line that includes Donald Penn and Kelechi Osemele, a former Langham Creek standout.

"They have a very big, physical offensive line," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "So, they run the ball downhill with Murray very, very well. If you let him get going it’s like a train going down the tracks and it’s tough to stop him. So, it’s a downhill running game.

"Then they put Richard in there and Washington and those guys are quick and fast, sub-type of running backs that do a lot of good things for them. It’s a very difficult backfield to deal with and our guys are going to have to be up to that challenge.”