Tag: Danielle Hunter

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. adds to DPOY case with strip sack against Tua Tagovailoa

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. reached double digit sacks for the first time with a strip sack of Tua Tagovailoa.

The Houston Texans’ defense continued their streak of creating takeaways after the bye week.

Second-year defensive end Will Anderson Jr. defeated his block and chased down Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from behind, stripping the ball loose and resulting in a recovery by defensive tackle Tim Settle.

Houston’s defense has forced a turnover in nine consecutive games, starting in Week 6 against the New England Patriots. In the nine-game span, Houston has 22 takeaways.

Anderson’s sack is the second of the game for Houston, who did not record one in its 23-20 win over Jacksonville before the bye week. For the second-year pro, Anderson reached double-digit sacks for the first time in his career.

This season, Anderson has 10.5 sacks through 12 games. Teammate and fellow Defensive Player of the Year candidate Danielle Hunter leads the team with 11 sacks after picking up a half sack earlier in the game against Miami.

Derek Stingley Jr., Joe Mixon among 102 players given superlatives by ESPN

Danielle Hunter, Joe Mixon and Derek Stingley Jr. each feature one trait that makes them a “standout player” in 2024.

How good are the Houston Texans?

As a roster, perhaps a bit underwhelming.

As individuals? A trio of names continue to impress heading into the home stretch.

In the latest article from ESPN, defensive end Danielle Hunter, running back Joe Mixon and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. all were the top players for a certain superlative that stands out as an “elite trait” in 2024.

Mixon, who’s on pace to become the Texans’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Carlos Hyde in 2019, was named the NFL’s “vision/instincts” runner.

“Mixon has been an easy fit in Houston’s zone run game, pressing the ball to the edge and finding the cutback lanes,” ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote. “Mixon is averaging 88.7 rushing yards, the third most in the league.”

Hunter, a dark horse to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award, was given the accolade for “best spin move” after recording 10.5 sacks in 14 games.

“A super disruptive edge defender, Hunter leads the NFL with a pass rush win rate of 27.9%,” Bowen wrote. “He has a devastating spin move that puts blockers in conflict. Hunter’s 10.5 sacks and 42 pressures both rank in the top three around the league.”

Stingley, who’s transformed into a top-three cornerback entering Year 3, was given the title of “best backfield vision” for his ability to read quarterbacks.

“An emerging star in the league, Stingley can overlap seam balls and get a jump on in-breakers because of his backfield vision in the Texans’ scheme,” Bowen wrote. “He has three interceptions and 11 pass breakups.”

The Texans return to NRG Stadium to face off against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. With a victory, Houston would guarantee a second-winning season under DeMeco Ryans.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Jaguars vs. Texans: Key matchups

Jaguars vs. Texans: Key matchups

The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off their bye week, ideally refreshed and refocused for their final stretch of the 2024 season as they host Houston this weekend.

This will be a crucial six-game marathon for the Jaguars as the future around the coaching staff and front office hangs in the balance following a lowly 2-9. On a positive note, franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence appears closer to returning to play this week after missing two games with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder.

While Jacksonville almost certainly won’t make the postseason, it could begin to cause some panic among Houston fans with an upset.

Jaguars Wire takes a closer look at some of the key matchups for this weekend.

Jacksonville WR Brian Thomas Jr. vs. Houston CB Derek Stingley Jr.

This one-on-one battle represents two gifted athletes who will be among the best players at their respective positions for years to come. Stingley has been playing at a high level this season and is one of Houston’s best defenders while Thomas has emerged as one of the better young wide receivers in the league and one of the faces of Jacksonville’s future.

It can’t be emphasized enough how crucial of a matchup this is. Thomas has played well the last several weeks and emerged as the Jaguars’ top playmaker this year. With Lawrence potentially back under center, the team’s first-round selection this year could see his target share increase.

Stingley is one of the best man-cover corners in the game. He uses his size, technique, and pure athleticism to shut down any receiver who lines up against him. Thomas offers the skill set to beat man defenders at will with the incredible fluidity, short-area quickness and ultra-explosiveness that has made him a three-level threat.

If Thomas wins this battle, Jacksonville will be one step closer to pulling off an upset.

Jaguars’ offensive line vs. Texans’ defensive line

For as bad as things have been for the Jaguars this season, their offensive line remains steady, especially in the interior. The team has allowed the sixth-lowest pressure rate in the NFL (28.7%) and will take on a Texans’ defense that ranks third in pressure rate (40.3%).

Winning in the trenches has been an up-and-down battle for Jacksonville all season and Sunday features a chance to win there on both sides of the ball. According to Next Gen Stats, Jaguars guards Exra Cleveland and Brandon Scherff and center Mitch Morse have all allowed pressure on under five percent of their pass-blocking snaps. 

The edges are where it gets tricky as tackles Walker Little and Anton Harrison will be going up against Texans defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., one of the best pass-rushing duos in the league. Jacksonville will need its young tackles to have quality starts to slow down Houston’s pass rushers.

This is not a favorable matchup for the Jaguars. It could be if Harrison and Little can stay consistent in their pass-blocking sets and generate momentum in the run game on the edges, which will be key in taking on the No. 5 defense in yards allowed. 

Houston RB Joe Mixon vs. Jacksonville run defense

One of the stories of the Jaguars this season has been their putrid defensive play in almost all facets, especially against the run where they have allowed the seventh-most rushing yards in the NFL (135.5).

However, interestingly enough, they have defended the run well on outside-designed runs. Jacksonville has allowed the second-fewest rushing yards over expected (-65) and the seventh-lowest success rate (34.0%) on those specific play calls, according to Next Gen Stats.

Defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker have been big reasons for Jacksonville’s success against outside runs. Walker is third on the team in run stops (35) and Hines-Allen has 23 on the season. Their power at the point of attack and discipline against the run has been very notable this year. 

This week, they’ll take on Mixon, who has run nine of his touchdowns to the outside and has the fifth-most RYOE (+116) in that area in the NFL. Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik tends to use the outside zone to work away from the tackle box and stress defenders on the edges.

Setting the edge will be key for the Jaguars, especially against Mixon. Walker and Hines-Allen must do their job to squeeze their respective gaps and become force defenders to bottle Mixon inside.

If the Jaguars can limit Mixon’s ability to stretch the edge, Jacksonville will have a chance to pull off a nice victory on Thanksgiving weekend. 

Texans Wire Player of the Game: DE Danielle Hunter

Danielle Hunter set the tone in the final two drives to help Houston secure a 23-20 win at home over the Indianapolis Colts.

If Anthony Richardson had a clean pocket, perhaps he’s leading the Indianapolis Colts to an improbable comeback at NRG Stadium on Sunday.

If Richardson evades the sack on third down, perhaps the Colts are sitting atop the AFC South standings at 5-3.

Neither happened in the Houston Texans’ 23-20 win over the Colts. Richardson could get out of trouble, resulting in five sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

Two takedowns came from Danielle Hunter, including the strip sack on the final play of the afternoon with one-second remaining.

“Multiple times we had pressure on him. Credit goes to our D-line the way they got after it up front,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. Danielle, Will [Anderson Jr.], [Tim] Settle, everybody was in on the action of applying pressure on the quarterback.”

Hunter headlined Houston’s defensive line Sunday. The front seven pressured Richardson on 60% of his drop-backs, tied for the highest pressure rate by a defense in a game this season, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats.

None of it mattered until the game’s final drive. Houston’s offense stalled on a three-and-out to waste the clock. The Colts wanted to march downfield and at least get into the field goal range to send the game to overtime.

Hunter wasn’t letting that happen. On the drive’s first play, he dipped past Bernhard Raimann and into the backfield opposite Anderson and Dencio Autry.

The quarterback looked confused about where the pressure was coming from. By the time Richardson evaded Autry’s initial takedown, it was too late.

There was Hunter forcing a strip-sack to secure the victory at home.

“We just wanted to leave no doubt today,” Anderson told reporters. “Let everyone know who the Texans D-line is. When they think about the Texans, they think about the d-line. That’s the message that we wanted to get out there.”

Hunter finished with two tackles, both coming on sacks that led to turnover drives. Without those two plays, the Texans could be sitting at 5-3 entering their matchup against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football.

For that reason, Hunter is this Texans Wire’s Player of the Game. He joins running back Joe Mixon, kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn, receiver Nico Collins, receiver Stefon Diggs and linebacker Neville Hewitt on the honor list for 2024.

Watch: Texans DE Danielle Hunter pulverizes Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye

Danielle Hunter destroyed Drake Maye to give back the ball to the Houston Texans.

After losing momentum at the end of the first half, the Houston Texans regained it three plays into the third quarter.

Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter defeated his block and unloaded on New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye, forcing a fumble that eventually would be recovered by Mario Edwards Jr.

The Texans would extend their 14-7 lead with a 3-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Stefon Diggs.

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Hunter recorded his first sack since Week 2’s win against the Chicago Bears. Houston has three sacks against New England, with Will Anderson Jr. providing the other pair in the first quarter.

Hunter has 2.5 sacks for Houston this season after signing a two-year, $49 million contract with the team in free agency. He replaced Jonathan Greenard, who signed on to Hunter’s replacement with the Minnesota Vikings.

The strip sack was the second turnover, Houston created in New England territory.

The first was Calen Bullock’s interception, which resulted in zero points after Kai’imi Fairbairn had a rare missed field goal.

With a win, Houston would start off the season 5-1, marking its best record since 2012.

Watch: Texans DE Danielle Hunter records first sack in Houston

Houston Texans marquee signing Danielle Hunter tallied his first sack in a Texans uniform by meeting Will Anderson Jr. in the backfield.

Welcome to NRG Stadium, Danielle Hunter.

Hunter, the Houston Texans’ top defensive addition of the offseason, took down Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams for his first sack in Houston.

Hunter and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. met in the backfield to bring down the No. 1 overall pick on third-and-9 for a 10-yard loss.

Hunter, 29, signed a two-year, $49 million deal with Houston in the offseason to chase a Lombardi trophy in his hometown. The former Minnesota Viking grew up in Katy and played high school football at Morton Ranch.

In Houston’s Week 1’s 29-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts ,Hunter tallied two pressures

Last season was a career year for the four-time Pro Bowler, totaling 16.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss, both career highs.

Hunter’s sack limited Chicago to a field goal on its opening drive.

Texans DE Danielle Hunter explains why he drives same car

Danielle Hunter is a man of simple things, which is why he still drives a Nissan as one of the highest-paid Houston Texans.

Danielle Hunter is a man of simplicity.

The four-time Pro Bowl defensive end enjoys pressuring quarterbacks. He enjoys winning one-on-one matchups against offensive tackles while forcing his way into the backfield.

He enjoys setting a standard as one of the best edge rushers in the NFL.

But while Hunter’s time is dedicated to bettering his craft as a member of the Houston Texans’ front seven, he’s not spending his afternoons looking for cars.

During an interview with Overtime, he said he still drives a standard Nissan instead of a custom-made wagon like other stars.

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Hunter, a native of Katy, said he grew up driving a Dodge Challenger before switching over to the Nissan family. When did the switch happen? That part remains a mystery.

Even after the Texans gave Hunter a two-year, $51 million contract this offseason to return home, the former Vikings star drives the same ride.

Maybe he’ll upgrade after the season if the Texans advance past the divisional round for the first time in franchise history.

Hunter, who led the NFL last season with 23.5 tackles for loss, joined Houston’s potent defensive front as a running mate to Will Anderson Jr. So far, he’s been the talk of the defensive front with Anderson sidelined in camp.

Fans haven’t seen much of Hunter, but the little tape produced is promising. He terrorized Pittsburgh Steelers rookie offensive tackle Troy Fautanu during Week 1 of the preseason, totaling three pressures, two tackles, and a sack.

The Texans open the season against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 8. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans vs. Steelers Player of the Game: DE Danielle Hunter

Danielle Hunter came as advertised in his first preseason game as a member of the Houston Texans’ potent defense.

The Houston Texans looked ready to build off their AFC South division title season Friday night with a 20-12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

C.J. Stroud connected twice with targets, including once in the end zone for a 34-yard touchdown to Tank Dell. Mario Edwards Jr. quietly totaled two tackles for loss and a sack against quarterback Justin Fields on the opening drive.

But the star of the game was Danielle Hunter, who quickly showed Texans fans why he could be in line for another All-Pro season opposite Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. He only saw action on seven plays, but each play left an impactful mark at Acrisure Stadium.

“He looks like a robot, rumors going around right now that he’s a new Transformer,” linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair told reporters postgame. “Obviously, he’s a great player, and he’s picking up where he left off.”

Hunter, a four-time Pro Bowl defensive end during his nine seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, totaled three tackles, two pressures, a tackle for loss and a sack. On third-and-8, he baptized Steelers rookie tackle Troy Fatanu with a “Welcome to the NFL” moment while pushing Fields down for a sack.

Four plays later, Houston would take an early 7-0 lead thanks to exceptional field position from the defense and a penalty against Pittsburgh punter Cameron Johnston.

Hunter, who signed a two-year, $49 million deal to return home, was brought in to replace Jonathan Greenard. Houston hasn’t featured a consistent double-digit sack machine since the days of J.J. Watt.

After helping Houston total a franchise-high 46 sacks last season, Greenard cashed in on a four-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. The Texans weren’t going to regress in that department. Hunter, 29, was looking to play closer to home after nine seasons with the Vikings.

Nicknamed “Cyborg” by his teammates and coaches, Hunter has been as advertised since joining the Texans. He’s been a vocal presence in the locker room but also an attentive teammate.

For his performance, Hunter earns the first Texans Wire Player of the Game this season.

Instant analysis of Texans’ 20-12 preseason win vs. Steelers

Here’s what Houston Texans fans need to know about from Friday’s preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Danielle Hunter has arrived. Tank Dell is flying high. C.J. Stroud is shining bright.

Welcome back to winning football, Houston Texans fans.

Stroud picked up where he left off last season by connecting with Dell for a 34-yard touchdown during the first quarter to set the tone in Houston’s 20-12 preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday night.

The Texans will return to NRG Stadium for the first time in 11 days to begin preparation for their next two preseason matchups against the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams before the start of a new campaign.

Here’s the instant analysis of Friday night’s action at Acrisure Stadium.

Offense

Albeit far from a perfect night, Stroud delivered a pass that will have fans talking throughout the weekend. On third-and-9, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year evaded a sack and stepped up to deliver a strike downfield to Dell.

The throw was perfect. Dell’s quick shoulder shrug to evade a tackle and punch it in for six was even better.

Last season, it was clockwork between No. 7 and No. 3 for a perfect 10-type drive against opponents before Dell’s untimely broken leg injury. Before being ruled out for the rest of the year, Dell was on pace to finish with over 1,200 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

He’s back and looking better than ever after taking a few pointers from newcomer Stefon Diggs. Even though there are plenty of mouths to feed in Stroud’s “five-headed monster” arsenal, Dell might be one of the more important ones.

Stroud finished with two completions for 41 yards in two series before being pulled. He also connected with former Ohio State teammate Cade Stover for an 8-yard pickup when under duress.

Both the second and third-team offense struggled, though Robert Woods looked promising during the second quarter. He led all receivers with four catches for 42 yards. Even if he doesn’t make the team, a performance like Friday could fuel trade rumors.

Without a stable offensive line, the rushing attack remains an underwhelming unit. Houston finished with less than 100 yards on 23 carries and averaged under 3.9 yards per attempt. Xavier Hutchinson, a receiver first, recorded the longest run of the night for 19 yards during the third quarter.

Dameon Pierce struggled to create separation after being met at the line of scrimmage four times. He finished with four yards on the evening.

Watch: Texans Pro Bowl DE Danielle Hunter records first sack of preseason

Houston Texans splash free agent signing, Danielle Hunter, recorded his first sack with the team in Friday’s preseason contest.

For the first time this preseason, starters took the field for the Houston Texans on Friday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

For the first time since putting pen to paper, Danielle Hunter made his presence felt as a member of DeMeco Ryans’ defense.

Hunter, the prized acquisition of the offseason, recorded his first sack in a Texans uniform by bringing down Steelers starter Justin Fields for a loss of eight yards on third down, forcing the Steelers to punt on their second drive.

The Texans would score on a 34-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Tank Dell on the following drive to make it 7-0.

Hunter, 29, joined Houston during free agency, agreeing to a two-year, $49 million deal with $48 million guaranteed. The signing paired him with reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., who is not in action on Friday.

The Houston native Hunter spent nine years in Minnesota, playing eight and recording 87.5 sacks, including a career-high 16.5 last season along with 23 tackles for loss which led the NFL.