Entering 2024, the Houston Texan rode an impressive 2023 season by clinching the AFC South Division Title and reaching the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. Having CJ Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. brought both Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards back to Houston, Demeco Ryans and Nick Caserio knew the time to win was now. Super Bowl is now the goal for the Texans, and the offseason was a key part of achieving the goal. Houston did not disappoint by adding many key weapons such as; Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, Denico Autry, Danielle Hunter & more. Texans offense was one of the most explosive in the NFL last year, and most of the focus was on the offensive acquisitions. Many are not aware, that will be in the Texan’s favor, as the missing piece is on the defensive side.
In the 2023 NFL season, Danielle Hunter was not in the hunt for the Defensive Player of the Year award, which was probably the biggest shock of the season. Danielle Hunter placed in the top 8 in categories, not just by an edge but by a defensive player. Hunter ended the season with 83 total tackles (6th in the NFL), 54 tackles (7th), 23 tackles for loss (1st), 83 combined tackles (6th), 16.5 sacks (5th) and 4 forced fumbles (2nd). Hunter is mostly known for wreaking havoc on quarterbacks, but the biggest benefit from Danielle is the disruption caused to the running game.
Last Week during the 53-man roster finalization, Houston placed linebacker Christian Harris on Injured Reserve status. Harris will be missing at the minimum of 4 games, leaving a hole in the run defense department. Usually, one would be worried, especially playing the Colt’s Jonathan Taylor in week one. Adding Hunter this off-season helps fill that void of losing Harris. Danielle Hunter’s skill of his first step helps identify the run and which gap to collapse. As I stated before Hunter had 23 tackles for loss, which is impressive, but what makes his run defense elite is the 23.1% win rate against the run. Hunter leads all of the NFL in Run Defense win rate percentage. Hunter and company should hold the Texan’s top-run defense status till Harris returns.
Adding Danielle Hunter’s already legendary pass rush status to the run defense puts the opponent’s offense on the ropes. As I mentioned earlier, Hunter was top 5 in sacks in the entire NFL, and that is with no help on the other edge. Hunter joining forces with rising defensive star Will Anderson Jr., helps both parties by lessening the chance of a double team. Will Anderson Jr. (20.8%) and Danielle Hunter (17.8%) both were in the top 10 of pass win rate percentage, placing both on the same team is a cheat code.
Danielle Hunter brings the excitement and veteran experience on the defensive side of the ball, the same as Stefon Diggs to the offensive side. The Katy hometown hero is set to make his Texans season debut tomorrow against the Indianapolis Colts with a promising outlook. Head coach Demeco Ryans believes Anderson and Hunter will excite fans, “What excites me is their potential to wreak havoc.” All the focal points have been on the offensive acquisitions this off-season, allowing Hunter to change the game for the Texans.
Tune in to the Texans Fan Battle show tomorrow at 6pm central to recap the game against the Colts. We will break down the game and give reactions to the game. Also, be sure to purchase your official Texans Fan Battle merchandise to support the show and the Houston Texans.
