Will Anderson Jr. #51 of the Houston Texans (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, Tx. - When it comes to relentlessly chasing down quarterbacks, Houston Texans Pro Bowl defensive end Will Anderson Jr. does it all by executing his ultra-detailed pass rushing plan.
And the former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year applies his personal adage to everything he does on the football field.
It's not about just getting into the quarterback's face. It's about getting him on the ground fast consistently.
"Finish, finish, finish," Anderson exclusively told RG. "That's the biggest thing we always talk about. Last season, I didn't finish. The whole offseason and fall camp, I told my coaches that's what I really wanted to focus on is how can I finish better. And we did that."
The way that Anderson penetrates opponents' backfields, he makes the most difficult challenges look routine. His speed, strength, toughness, and moves are a rare combination.
He already has recorded 10 1/2 sacks this season, topping his rookie mark of seven sacks, despite missing a few games with an ankle injury suffered against the New York Jets.
Anderson had a pivotal forced fumble on a strip sack of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa that led directly to a touchdown after the loose football was recovered by teammate Tim Settle Jr.
In a dozen games played this season for the AFC South champion Texans, Anderson has recorded 32 tackles, 14 tackles for losses and 15 quarterback hits. With three games remaining in the regular season, Anderson has 17 1/2 career sacks, 77 tackles, 24 tackles for losses and 37 quarterback hits.
"As a rusher, one thing you love is getting sacks, but it's so much more than just getting in sacks, you know, affecting the quarterback can come in various ways," Anderson said. "We are talking about just pushing the pocket. We want to penetrate."
Beyond the statistics and the hardware, Anderson has earned a lot of respect from his teammates and opponents.
The former Alabama standout plays the game with an aggressive style and a growing repertoire of pass rushing moves.
Whether it's his speed rush, bull rush, chop swim move and spin move, Anderson has found success in the NFL quickly as a former third overall pick.
"I want to build a legacy," Anderson said. "It's about doing things the right way."
Anderson frequently receives encouraging and congratulatory text messages from retired Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt.
"He always texts me every time something good happens," Anderson said. "He’s been a great role model for me. He’s been a great guy to have in my corner. Man, it’s just an honor to be up there with him,” I look up to J.J. He’s been a great role model in my life. He’s been helping me, keeping me encouraged."
Off the field, Anderson and his family are deeply committed to philanthropy. That includes volunteering at the Houston Food Bank to help families in need. On the field, Anderson has been nominated for the NFL's prestigious, annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship award.
“I pride myself on doing what’s right and playing between the lines the right way and not doing all the extra stuff and just being a really solid player when it comes to integrity and things like that,” Anderson said. “And it’s a blessing, man. I really just I can’t speak enough about myself is just the people that’s instilled everything to me how to play the game.”
Against the New England Patriots this season, Anderson was an absolute menace, a problem that couldn't be solved by blocking schemes and strategies.
He had a career-high three sacks and four tackles for losses against Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye, batting away another throw that was intercepted. He's only the 12th player in NFL history to record a statistical line of three sacks, four tackles for losses and one pass defensed.
"I know the stats are great, but, with him, you don't even see some of the stuff," Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. “The sacks are amazing, but does a lot of other things in the structure of the defense to really help out. He's fun to be around, for sure."
Playing opposite Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter, Anderson and Hunter have combined for 22 1/2 sacks. They also lead the NFL with a combined 136 pressures, per Next Gen Stats' GPS-generated analytics.
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Hunter has been mentoring Anderson. Growing up in a Georgia household with three sisters, Anderson looks up to Hunter as a big brother type. They've become good friends during their first season collaborating after the Texans signed Hunter to a two-year, $51 million free agent deal during the offseason.
“Man, he’s taught me so much,” Anderson said.
“Every time I see him, I give him a big hug. I don’t have any brothers, so all of these guys have been in this group. I look at them as my big brothers. He just kept me composed and kept me grounded. I keep getting better. He kept me on edge: ‘Hey, don’t get lax. When you get lax, your body starts to wind down a little bit. Keep going, keep going.’ And he’s helping me out a lot.”
The success of Anderson has been felt on both sides of the football. He sets a sterling example for all of his teammates.
“Man, I’m super proud of Will, just the person he is, not only just on the field, but off,” quarterback. C.J. Stroud said. “I know he has a lot more coming for him and I definitely know that he’ll continue to be great.”
In terms of personal growth, Anderson just keeps building his game one step at a time.
The Texans have already clinched an automatic playoff berth.
One year after losing in the AFC divisional round to the Baltimore Ravens, the Texans feel better equipped to make a run. And Anderson, a team captain, leads the charge.
"We've got more work to do," Anderson said. "I'm happy to go to war with these guys every time we touch the field. I'm just grateful."
Aaron WIlson
