How another Texans rookie standout could wrestle away even more league hardware
MORE IS MORE!
06 December 2023
One of the big reasons the Houston Texans were able to come away with a victory over the Denver Broncos was the monster performance from rookie pass rusher Will Anderson.
After Sunday's game, Anderson is now up to 5 sacks on the season, 1 more than Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite, Jalen Carter. Anderson also tipped a pass that led to an interception, and got his hands on a punt that gave Houston great field position. And let's not forget, he blocked a field goal earlier in the season, which is no small feat.
So with 5 games left to play, there's a legit possibility Anderson could snatch the DROY award away from Carter if he can get close to 10 sacks on the season.
Also, DeMeco Ryans is becoming the standard for what teams are looking for in a head coach. CJ Stroud is the front-runner for OROY.
With all this in mind, is there any argument against the Texans being the most exciting young team in the NFL?
We're already seeing the national media come around, and the NFL flexed the Texans-Broncos to get more eyes on Stroud.
And not to mention, it's starting to look like Nick Caserio nailed 3 out of 4 first round picks, with Derek Stingley recording 4 interceptions in his last 3 games.
It's been a long time coming for Texans fans. Every level of the organization appears to be in contention for prestigious awards.
Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss the most exciting young team in the NFL and what that means for Houston moving forward.
If you enjoy the videos, subscribe to SportsMapTexans on YouTube for our latest content!
Presented by Coors Light.
Victor Caratini tied it with a sacrifice fly in the ninth and Mauricio Dubón hit a walk-off single in the 10th on Sunday to help the Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 2-1 to sweep the three-game series.
All-Star Energy. #VoteDubi x https://t.co/W06pfHQMR1 pic.twitter.com/5oiCa9GrRC
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 15, 2025
Jake Meyers started at second base in the 10th and scored on Dubón's two-out single to left field.
Astros starter Brandon Walter gave up a run on six hits with nine strikeouts across 6 2/3 innings. Shawn Dubin, Bennett Sousa and Josh Hader (4-0) combined for 3 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.
Walter has allowed three earned runs across 17 2/3 innings in three starts this season.
Minnesota’s Brooks Lee led off the third inning with a home run.
Jose Altuve was hit by a pitch to lead off the seventh but Caratini grounded into a 4-6-3 double play before Meyers grounded out.
Cole Sands (3-3) took the loss.
Key moment
Jeremy Peña drew a leadoff walk in the ninth and stole second. Peña moved to third when Altuve singled and then scored on Caratini's sacrifice fly off Jhoan Duran to make it 1-1 and force extra innings.
Key stat
The Astros, who beat the Twins 3-2 on Cam Smith’s walk-off single in the ninth on Saturday, have won five in a row and 16 of their last 22 to take a five-game lead over second-place Seattle in the AL West.
Up next
Houston's Lance McCullers Jr. (1-2, 4.91 ERA) takes the mound Monday to open a four-game series with the Athletics, who have not announced a starter. Minnesota is off until Tuesday when David Festa (1-1, 4.76) is scheduled to start against Cincinnati's Andrew Abbott (6-1, 1.87) to open a three-game set.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
