Who has the best pass rushing tandem?
By: Jake Rajala
The Houston Texans don’t only have a prolific quarterback, but they also have talent on their defense. In particular, they have a pair of terrific pass rushers at defensive end. They would be none other than Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson.
Hunter is a Top-5 pass rusher. He recorded 16.5 sacks in 2023 and then 12 sacks last season. He also had 66 pressures. He has made five Pro Bowls already. He is 30 years old, so he’s a bit older than the likes of Micah Parsons and Nik Bonitto. However, Myles Garrett is 29, Trey Hendrickson is 30, and T.J. Watt is 30!
Hunter’s partner in crime, Will Anderson, is still scratching the surface. He notched 11 sacks a season ago! Not bad for a 23 year old! PFF handed him a grade of 83.9, which is superb. Anderson is able to get home to the QB, even if Hunter hogs most of the production.
Matt Holder of B/R dubs the Texans pass rushing duo as the second best tandem. He only lists Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper ahead of them.
I believe the Texans have the right combination of youth and experience with their edge rushers. Hunter and Anderson Jr. combined for 23 sacks, while Nik and Cooper combined for 24 sacks. Hunter has proven to have a higher ceiling than Nik and Cooper. Will Anderson Jr. is also a couple of years younger than Nik, so he more of the fountain of youth on his side.
In the end, I would clearly list the Texans pass rushing tandem as the best pass rushing tandem in the league. At second, I would list the Broncos pass rushing do, and then I would dub the Giants pass rushing duo (Abdul Carter and Brian Burns), even if Carter is a rookie, as the third best duo. I don’t like Cameron Heyward’s age, as he’s 36 years old.
Trey Hendrickson had 17.5 sacks last season, but he doesn’t have a partner to help him. Myles Garrett is also in the same boat. I’d like to see Jadeveon Clowney reunite with Garrett or join Hendrickson, or Watt.
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