…and hell’s comin’ with him.
Not really sure how, but in the age of EDGE rushers ruling the NFL landscape, Danielle Hunter has flown under the radar. Maybe it’s because he played for the Minnesota Vikings who don’t tend to get as much media attention as the team next door (the Green Bay Packers). Or maybe it’s due to Hunter’s lack of massive ego constantly spilling out of his mouth.
Maybe both?
Either way, one of the greatest EDGE players currently in the league is far from well known.
But, that’s about to change.
The 6’5” 236lb LSU force of nature has come home in a sense, since LSU is less than a day’s drive from H-Town. Much closer than the frozen tundra of Minneapolis at least.
During his time in the Land of Ice & Snow, Hunter played in 119 games, started 90, amassed 462 combined tackles, 316 solo stops, 149 assists, 134 hits on opposing quarterbacks, a whopping 108 tackles-for-loss, 11 forced fumbles, 87.5 sacks and a lone safety.
All that amidst the coaching turmoil and front office upheaval that plagued the Vikings in Hunter’s time there.
Now, he joins Demeco Ryans defense, lines up opposite last year’s rookie sensation Will Anderson Jr.. And, he does so in the novel spotlight the Houston Texans are currently enjoying with the successful turnaround orchestrated by Nick Caserio, Ryans and other former rookie sensation, C.J. Stroud.
Hunter will feast if lined up 1-on-1 with an opposing offensive lineman. Let’s face it, he’s often feasted when lined up against 2
The NFL really let the Texans get this DEMON across from Will Anderson Jr. pic.twitter.com/H7CW5XoY4I
— Jacob (@Stroud4AllPro) June 23, 2024
So, send a guard, a tackle and chip Hunter with a tight end or tailback? Then you just give Will Anderson Jr. free rein to impose his will.
For offensive coordinators, it’s a losing proposition.
For Texans fans, it’s a win-win.
While no one could ever replace former all-world Texans defender J.J. Watt, having Hunter & Anderson Jr. looks like the next best thing.
The duo of Danielle Hunter & Will Anderson Jr really is some Batman & Robin / Spiderman & Miles Morles type of feel.
Both combined for : 24 sacks, 83 solo tackles, 4 forced fumbles , 33 tackles for loss, 104 QB pressures
For my defensive game lovers, we are in for a treat … pic.twitter.com/b4IgGrTDCd
— CJ Anderson SzN (@AyooTexanNation) May 28, 2024
And, with Hunter devouring the offensive line and terrorizing opposing quarterbacks, life just got easier for the Texans secondary. So, while Hunter prepares for what could be the best season of his storied career, Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jimmie Ward, Jalen Pitre and Calen Bullock are chomping at the bit to feast.
If you’re part of the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars or Tennessee Titans (especially the BESFs) offense, and you’re not at least a little nervous right about now, you haven’t been paying attention.