Tag: Houston Texans vs. New England Pariots

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. joins elite class in win over Patriots

Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is well on his way to winning the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year honor in 2024.

Will Anderson Jr. was always expected to be the foundational piece of DeMeco Ryans’ defense when the Houston Texans traded up nine spots in the 2023 NFL Draft to select him third overall.

Some would argue the former Alabama edge rusher was destined to be this era’s J.J. Watt down off NRG Drvie, though even that’s a high compliment for someone just transitioning to the next level.

On Sunday, Anderson might have taken a step toward being the official heir of the three-time Defensive Player of the Year and a favorite to win the award himself this fall.

Anderson picked up three sacks against  New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye in the Texans’ 41-21 victory at Gillette Stadium, a first for the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year.

“Proud of Will, massive game for him to be able to get off the quarterback the way he did,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Three sacks, also forced an interception there by [Eric] Murray. Just a really, really productive day by him and he stayed out there. Loved his energy, right? From start to finish. He came out.”

On top of three sacks, Anderson also added a tackle for loss against running back Antonio Gibson in the second quarter. Murray’s interception was caused by a batted pass at the line scrimmage after Anderson won his one-on-one battle against New England’s offensive line.

With his performance, Anderson joined Watt as the only player in franchise history to record three sacks, four tackles for loss and a pass deflection in a game. Watt hit the marker twice during his 10-year career with the Texans after being drafted out of Wisconsin in 2011.

While he doesn’t rank among the top three, Anderson’s 5.5 sacks are tied for fifth-most entering Week 7, alongside Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby. His nine tackles for loss currently lead the NFL, as does his 28 QB hits.

Watt, who finished with a franchise-leading 101 career sacks, won Defensive Player of the Year in his second season after totaling 20.5 QB takedowns. Anderson needs 15 more to surpass the total and performances like Sunday could help him reach the goal.

‘The Texans travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday at noon CT.

Texans RB Joe Mixon sounds off on illegal hip-drop tackle

Joe Mixon did not hold back following his first media availability since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2.

Houston Texans fans have been waiting to see Joe Mixon find a hole and pulverize opponents as the top back on Sundays.

Guess what? So has Mixon.

“I want to be out there more than anybody,” Mixon said Thursday following his first padded practice in three weeks.

Mixon, who still might not be cleared on Sunday when the Texans take on the New England Patriots, hasn’t played since Week 2’s win over the Chicago Bears because of an illegal hip-drop tackle used by linebacker T.J. Edwards.

The hit was banned by the NFL this offseason and was supposed to lead to a fine and a 15-yard penalty. Mixon sounded off on the officials after they ruled it a fair tackle.

Edwards was later fined but got to play the following Sunday. Mixon has missed the last three games and finally looks healthy enough to practice.

“You got to think I was No. 1 in the league in rushing; I want to be out there,” Mixon said Thursday. “Obviously, I was stopped because of that weak ass hip-drop tackle. I can’t do nothing about that.”

While Mixon practiced in a limited capacity two weeks ago before Week 4’s matchup against the Jaguars, he medically was not ready to return. He missed the next several practices and only returned at limited capacity on both Thursday and Friday.

The Texans have gotten by without a stable ground game, but adding in Mixon might be beneficial now with Nico Collins off to the injured reserve. Houston’s offense has gone through C.J. Stroud and the league’s leading target five games into the new campaign.

Having back Mixon would be a welcomed addition against a stout New England defense.

“I’m just going to keep on working, and when it’s time to be out there, I’m going to do what I’ve got to do to show I’m the best on the field,” Mixon said. “It’s as simple as that.”

Kickoff from Gillette Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.