Texans Daily

Texans OL Says Danielle Hunter Played Like a Mutant vs. Jaguars

The Houston Texans saw some outstanding play out of their veteran edge rusher.
Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) is introduced  before playing against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) is introduced before playing against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

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There was no one more impactful during the Houston Texans' 36-29 comeback victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars than veteran edge rusher Danielle Hunter.

In a day where the Texans' league-best defense had to step up even further amid the absence of quarterback C.J. Stroud due to a concussion, it was Hunter who came up big in a career performance on his part–– tying a career-high 3.5 sacks, seven total tackles, one forced fumble, and of course, helped lead Houston to win number four on the year.

After the game, Hunter was ensured to have gotten some considerable praise around the locker room from both coaches and players for his otherworldly impact during their key divisional win–– with one of those names, Texans starting center Jake Andrews, going as far as to credit his Pro Bowl pass rusher for having mutant-like abilities.

“Did you expect anything less? I mean, the guys a monster! Have you seen him? He’s a mutant, man," Andrews said, via SportsTalk 790.

"He's obviously played this long for a good reason, and he still produces like he's a young buck. He's awesome. He's awesome to have in the locker room, he's a great guy. Really happy for him."

Danielle Hunter Was Pivotal in Texans' Win vs. Jaguars

Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) attempts to sack Jacksonville Jaguars qua
Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) attempts to sack Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Texans have typically been on the receiving end of a heavy day of sacks and pressure on their quarterback through the first half of this season, but Hunter would be the one to make sure that trend wouldn't continue against the Jaguars.

In all, the Texans rattled off five sacks on the day against Trevor Lawrence, and down the fourth quarter stretch, left this Jaguars offense empty-handed with zero points as Houston fired out 19 unanswered, and as a result, walked away with the win in their favor.

All three phases of the ball did their part in making that comeback come to life, but without Hunter, that miraculous feat probably doesn't happen, and Lawrence finds his way to a much cleaner day in the pocket that might've assisted in an ice-cold second half.

DeMeco Ryans Credits Danielle Hunter's Violent Play Style

Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans smiles before the game against the Jacksonville Jagu
Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans smiles before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Head coach DeMeco Ryans, along with Andrews, also made sure to hand out his due credit to Hunter for his impact in such a critical win over the Jaguars.

"Danielle, he was exploding off the ball [vs. Jacksonville], playing violent, not slowing down. That only works with the interior guys getting the right push. So, I thought our [defensive] tackles did a good job when we were able to push the pocket and they were able to collapse the edge. That's how the rush works together."

"Will and Danielle, they're definitely a scary force on the edge and two of the best edge rushers in the league. We're blessed to have both of those guys as rushers on our team."

If the Texans can keep that momentum up in their pass rush for the remainder of the season while Hunter continues to present those mutant qualities, Houston might be in good hands for a potential playoff push throughout the second half of this season.

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Jared Koch
JARED KOCH

Jared Koch is the Deputy Editor of Houston Texans On SI and has covered the NFL since 2023. Jared is a graduate of Western Kentucky University. His works have also appeared on MSN, Yahoo, and Bleacher Report.