(This story was updated to change or add a photo or video.)
C.J. Stroud has already proven to be one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL entering his second season with the Houston Texans.
Will Anderson Jr. is holding up his end of the bargain on defense, too.
The former No. 3 overall pick continues to trend upward toward All-Pro honors as the 2024 season reaches the halfway point. Anderson delivered another strong outing in Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts, adding two more sacks to his season total on 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson.
Last season, Anderson finished with seven sacks in 15 games en route to winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. Through eight games, he posted 7.5 to go along with 11 tackles for loss.
Danielle Hunter & Will Anderson Jr. vs the Colts yesterday (@PFF):
16 Pressures
3 Sacks
12 Hurries
Hunter Win Rate – 30.3%
Anderson Win Rate – 16.1%Absolutely game wrecked one of the best OL in Football. pic.twitter.com/O7eK7UAczZ
— Jacob (@Stroud4MVP) October 28, 2024
To quantify those numbers, Anderson is third overall in sacks behind New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald. He’s first in TFLs, with Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt still two behind him.
Houston was mocked for trading away a future first-round pick to move up nine spots for a defensive end. With Richardson being benched, plus the inconsistent play from Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson, it seems like the Texans made the right call.
At 6-2, Houston remains in the hunt for the No. 1 seed as they take on the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football.
“Leave no doubt,” said Texans DE Will Anderson exclusively to Big Sarge Media about the defensive line keys to victory on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. “Let everybody know who the Texans D-Line is.” #Texans #BigSargeMedia pic.twitter.com/EZaHja2rqK
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) October 28, 2024
Anderson could add to his sack total with another promising outing against an underwhelming Jets offensive line that’s allowed Aaron Rodgers to be sacked 23 times.
Kickoff from MetLife Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT.
