Will Anderson Jr., Texans Pass Rush Must Prove DeMeco Ryans Right vs. Lamar Jackson
The Houston Texans' defense improved as the months turned colder, in large part due to a pass rush that grew more potent seemingly each week.
After just nine total sacks before the Week 7 bye and three games without a sack, the pass rush became a legitimate threat week to opposing quarterbacks. The unit would be shut out just once in the final 11 weeks of the season, finishing 10th in sacks with 46.
From their early-season inconsistencies to their hot streak during the playoff push, head coach DeMeco Ryans remained consistent in his expectations for the unit. Rushing together, rather than individuals, and not taking plays off would eventually pay dividends. He was right.
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Rookie edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. finished his Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign with seven, five of which he found after Dec. 1. He was consistently pressuring the quarterbacks and when variance swung in his favor, the floodgates of production opened.
Now, he and the rest of the Houston pass rush will be tasked with something more difficult than just taking down any quarterback. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson may be the most dynamic player in the sport, and his ability to twist pass rushers into knots regularly turns into explosive plays for his offense.
Containing Jackson is difficult enough. Converting those pressures into sacks is an entirely different challenge.
Jackson took 37 sacks, the 10th-most in football. It’s worth noting, though, that part of that mark is a matter of Jackson being hyper-aware of the bodies around him and giving himself up rather than dangerously extending the play. On Saturday, hosting the Divisional Round, Jackson may be keen on gaining every yard possible.
“I think it’s just all four rushing together to become one,” Anderson said. “All of us have to be on the same page for whatever rush game that we have on. Making sure we’re not being selfish or trying to be too cute and get out of what the plan is that we have for him.”
Anderson is referring to the way the Texans will work together to rush the passer. There will frequently be escape hatches in the pocket for Jackson to slither through, and it’s Houston’s job to mitigate those opportunities. An interior lineman pushing the pocket may force Jackson out to either side, but if an edge rusher is in poor position to take advantage of his scramble because of his rogue pass-rush move, the pressure is far less valuable.
Sticking to that plan and making Jackson claustrophobic in the pocket is arduous – and given the steps Jackson has taken this year, maybe impossible – but it’s Houston’s best shot to disrupt him.
A poor effort from the pass rush would inevitably show up in the box score. It would show up in the schedule, too – the AFC Championship Game would be played in Baltimore.
“I have full confidence in us to go out there, do our jobs, have fun, and play to our standards and our abilities,” Anderson said.
The 2023 third-overall pick is locked in on Saturday’s game and isn’t worried about the cold weather or the nine-point spread that underlines the contest. There’s a job to do, and as long as the Texans are alive, he’s expected to finish it.
Ryans preached a winning mindset and all that comes with it. With the help of quarterback C.J. Stroud, it got them to the playoffs. Taking his words about rushing as one to heart is a must for a Houston defense that has the opportunity to shock the world.
