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JJ Watt calls out Texans for lack of effort

The Texans suffered an embarrassing loss against the Bengals on Sunday, and their team’s biggest leader was none too pleased about it.

Houston has parted ways with a number of its veterans this year, as well as its head coach, with JJ Watt and Deshaun Watson standing out as their two clear leaders remaining on the roster.

They had a pathetic defensive showing in Sunday’s 37-31 loss to the Bengals, and Watt made sure to let his teammates know that lacking effort on the field is unacceptable.

“We’re professional athletes making a whole lot of money,” Watt said, via Pro Football Talk. “If you can’t come in and put work in in the building, go out to the practice field and work hard, do your lifts and do what you’re supposed to do, you should not be here. This is a job.”

He continued:

“They have no reason whatsoever to,” Watt said. “We stink. But they care and they still want to win and they still want you to be great. Those people aren’t being paid. We’re being paid handsomely. That’s who I feel the most bad for is our fans and the people who care so deeply in this city. . . . It sucks as a player to know we aren’t giving fans what they deserve.”

Powerful words from the Texans’ vocal leader. It’s fair to wonder if he’ll be back with the team next season, with all the trade rumors that were swirling leading up to the deadline a few months ago.