HOUSTON – Houston Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Month, the NFL announced today. Anderson earned his first career Player of the Month honor after leading his team to a 3-1 record during the month of October and 6-2 overall, the team's best start since 2012.
In October, Anderson recorded 17 tackles, including an NFL-best seven for loss, 5.0 sacks, one pass defensed that resulted in an interception and one fumble recovery that sealed a victory. His sacks led the AFC and ranked second in the NFL during October, while also recording 12 stops at or behind the line of scrimmage, the second-most in the NFL.
Anderson has recorded at least 1.0 sack in the last three contests, just one-of-eight players to do so across the league this year. His month of mayhem is highlighted by a Week 6 performance that featured four tackles for loss, a career-high 3.0 sacks and a pass defensed that was deflected to his teammate for an interception. Anderson's career day concluded with him being honored as AFC Defensive Player of the Week after becoming just the 12th player in NFL history to record at least five tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and one pass defensed in a game.
Through eight games, Anderson has a career-high 7.5 sacks and also leads the NFL with 11 tackles for loss. This marks the 20th time a Texan has been honored as player of the month and the first time a defensive player has garnered the award since J.J. Watt claimed the nod in September of 2018.
IRON SHARPENS IRON | Episode 5
After a big win over the Patriots and a tough road loss to the Packers, the Houston Texans bounced back strong with a thrilling home victory in the AJ 80 Hall of Fame game against the Colts. Don't miss our exclusive fieldside shots and conversations with Joe Mixon & Will Anderson Jr. after their huge performances. Tune in to IRON SHARPENS IRON on October 30 at 3pm CT!
