In a refreshing change for Houston Texans fans, this offseason is marked by a series of positive notifications rather than the annual ritual of seeking a new head coach. The focus now shifts to accolades and honors, encompassing players, coaches, and potentially even executives like Caserio. A notable highlight came on Tuesday as C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson received recognition as Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year, respectively, from the Pro Football Writers of America. Stroud also claimed the PFWA’s overall Rookie of the Year award.
The positive streak continued on Wednesday as Will Anderson secured a spot in his inaugural Pro Bowl Games, stepping in for Raiders’ defensive end Maxx Crosby. This recognition is particularly significant for Anderson, who now stands as the second defensive rookie in Texans history to earn a Pro Bowl nod, joining the ranks of Brian Cushing, honored in 2009.
Anderson’s journey with the Texans began after the team traded up to the third overall pick in the draft to acquire him. His rookie season featured impressive statistics with 13 starts, amassing 45 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 67 pressures, 7 sacks, one pass defensed, and one blocked field goal. His seven sacks set a new single-season record for Texans rookies, while the 67 quarterback pressures marked a league-wide rookie record for the season.
A pivotal moment that solidified Anderson’s Pro Bowl candidacy occurred in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos, where he contributed significantly with five tackles, two sacks, four QB hits, two tackles for loss, and one pass defensed. Even with a challenging ankle in Week 17, Anderson showcased his prowess with two sacks and six QB pressures in limited snaps.
Teaming up with Laremy Tunsil, Anderson adds to the Texans’ Pro Bowl representation, marking the first time since 2020 that the team boasts multiple selections. The Pro Bowl Games, featuring a skills challenge on Thursday, February 1, and a flag football game on Sunday, February 4, are set to take place in Orlando.
Leave a Reply