The Houston Texans looked ready to build off their AFC South division title season Friday night with a 20-12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
C.J. Stroud connected twice with targets, including once in the end zone for a 34-yard touchdown to Tank Dell. Mario Edwards Jr. quietly totaled two tackles for loss and a sack against quarterback Justin Fields on the opening drive.
But the star of the game was Danielle Hunter, who quickly showed Texans fans why he could be in line for another All-Pro season opposite Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. He only saw action on seven plays, but each play left an impactful mark at Acrisure Stadium.
Hunting season 🤘
📺: NFL Network/ABC13 pic.twitter.com/NOpn8FXQTR
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 9, 2024
“He looks like a robot, rumors going around right now that he’s a new Transformer,” linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair told reporters postgame. “Obviously, he’s a great player, and he’s picking up where he left off.”
Hunter, a four-time Pro Bowl defensive end during his nine seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, totaled three tackles, two pressures, a tackle for loss and a sack. On third-and-8, he baptized Steelers rookie tackle Troy Fatanu with a “Welcome to the NFL” moment while pushing Fields down for a sack.
Four plays later, Houston would take an early 7-0 lead thanks to exceptional field position from the defense and a penalty against Pittsburgh punter Cameron Johnston.
#Texans veteran linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair on first-team defense's performance against #Steelers and the bonding built during road trip to Canton, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, returning to Houston overnight @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/L6O9Yp6KQr
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 10, 2024
Hunter, who signed a two-year, $49 million deal to return home, was brought in to replace Jonathan Greenard. Houston hasn’t featured a consistent double-digit sack machine since the days of J.J. Watt.
After helping Houston total a franchise-high 46 sacks last season, Greenard cashed in on a four-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. The Texans weren’t going to regress in that department. Hunter, 29, was looking to play closer to home after nine seasons with the Vikings.
Nicknamed “Cyborg” by his teammates and coaches, Hunter has been as advertised since joining the Texans. He’s been a vocal presence in the locker room but also an attentive teammate.
For his performance, Hunter earns the first Texans Wire Player of the Game this season.
