As the NFL enters Week 4, analysts are keeping a close eye on standout players and emerging trends that could shape the outcomes of upcoming games. Perhaps most significantly, rookie Will Anderson Jr and former Judy pick Danielle Hunter are making waves with their elite pass-rushing skills. Both players currently rank in the top 10 for pass rush win rate among edge defenders. That gives Anderson a 59% chance to pick up a sack this week, with Hunter not far behind at 57%. Their ability to harass quarterbacks — especially Washington State’s Cam Ward — will be the biggest factor in deciding how this matchup shapes up.
On the other side, the Texans’ defense has quickly become a fearsome unit that currently sits third in pass rush win rate, 49%, on the year. This key passing down statistic is a clear indictment of their inability to pressure the quarterback. They succeed especially well against teams like the Titans, who struggle in pass protection. As of Week 7, the Titans rank near the bottom in pass block win rate at 57% — yes, 57%. That may pose enormous problems for their quarterback in his debut against a hungry Texans D.
Defensive Dominance
Number 3 overall pick Will Anderson Jr is already making waves his rookie season, with three sacks in two games. His speed and style of disruptive play makes things difficult for any quarterback he faces. On the other end of the defensive line, Danielle Hunter replicates this performance, making him one of the top players to watch. Their combined efforts could significantly impact Cam Ward’s performance, especially considering Ward’s troubling trend of taking sacks at a staggering rate of 13%. This figure is third-best for any quarterback this year. It leads the rate of any QBR-qualified QB from last season.
The Texans’ defense has made no secret about their intent to be the best in the league when it comes to pass rush effectiveness. With both Anderson and the rookie Hunter at the forefront, opposing quarterbacks will have their hands full every single week. Adding in their capacity to create disruption on plays makes their factor in not just rattling the QB, but throwing off the entire offense’s rhythm.
As they prepare to face the Titans, all eyes will be on these two defenders. They’ll use their creativity and talent to exploit the vulnerabilities of their rivals. As we wrote this week, the Titans’ issues with pass protection are a long-term problem. They’ll have to figure out a plan that involves getting the ball out quickly to mitigate the effects of the Texans’ pass rush.
Offensive Considerations
On the offensive end, Cam Ward’s relationship with deep threat wide receiver Moore is developing. Ward has targeted Moore 16 times over the first three games of the season. This increased relationship definitely indicates that it can bring about huge rewards as they just might be getting ready to meet stiffer defenses. With the pressure expected from the Texans, Ward must find ways to get rid of the ball quickly to avoid taking unnecessary sacks.
At the same time, Justin Herbert is one of the rare quarterbacks that excels when it comes to pressure. He’s averaging an equally ridiculous 10.2 yards per attempt vs. blitzes, so it should be a field day for him in a clean pocket this week. This should enable him to get the most out of his receiving weapons and stretch the field more efficiently with the offense.
For instance, no running back has led his backfield with more touches than the unstoppable Nick Chubb. De’von Achane is emerging and giving him some strong competition for that title. While Achane might be hogging the headlights, Marks has been absolutely phenomenal. While he takes fewer snaps, he still averages 4.6 yards per carry, contributing more than Chubb’s 3.9 yards per carry.
Fantasy Football Implications
The fantasy football landscape is changing pretty dramatically in Week 4. When it comes to analysts and managers alike, there is a blind ambition on certain rainbow unicorns. After a disappointing showing against the Browns, Romeo Doubs could see increased involvement due to injuries affecting other players on his team. With Jayden Reed sidelined and Tucker Kraft nursing a knee injury, Doubs may become a more significant target for his quarterback as they attempt to bounce back.
Leave a Reply