Will Anderson sets Texans' rookie single-season record with seven sacks in 2023

Going up against the Tennessee Titans offensive line on Sunday, Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson set the team’s new rookie record for single-season sacks. Anderson broke the previous franchise record of six sacks in a single season by a rookie with sacks on back-to-back plays, bringing his total up to seven through Week 17.

The previous record holders, Whitney Mercilus and Brooks Reed, were tied with six sacks as rookies. Legendary defensive end J.J. Watt had 5.5 sacks in his rookie season in 2011.

Will Anderson Jr is your 2023 NFL DROY pic.twitter.com/kcC1zp9XR5

— James Roy (@n1texansfan) December 31, 2023

Anderson and the Texans defensive line knocked Titans starter Will Levis out of the game early on Sunday. Levis was ruled out with a foot injury while Ryan Tannehill took over once again. The defense had one sack against Levis and then three more against Tannehill.

Houston drafted Anderson out of Alabama with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. They traded for the pick after taking quarterback C.J. Stroud with the second-overall pick. The choice has worked out swimmingly for the Texans as Anderson has racked up seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 14 games played this year.

After three one-sack performances earlier in the year, the former Crimson Tide edge rusher has notched two two-sack games in back-to-back weeks. Last week, he had two sacks against the Denver Broncos. The Texans won the Week 16 matchup 22-17.

Despite setting the new rookie franchise record on Sunday, Anderson is still chasing two Rams rookies for the rookie sack leader title this season. Kobie Turner added 2.5 sacks while Byron Young added one against the Giants’ offensive line in Week 17.