The phrase “Built by Bama” is more than just a mantra that fans chant on social media. This is the mindset and code that former Alabama head coach Nick Saban sends to the NFL to follow. Will Anderson Jr., who was just named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, is trying to live that every week in the NFL.
While on Radio Row for Super Bowl LVIII, Anderson Jr. spoke with SB Nation’s JP Acosta about the lessons he learned from Nick Saban, the graphical differences between playing at Alabama and playing in Houston, and his He talked about competition. texansQB CJ Stroud. All of this is brought to you by Ji-hoo, who works with Bounty to help save Celery, who remains behind the chicken wings.
When Anderson Jr. was at Alabama, he often stood on the inside shoulder of the tackle in the 4i technique. He primarily plays the run en route to the pass. But in Houston, he kicked to the outside of the tackle’s shoulder in a more wide-9 alignment.
Anderson Jr. said his leverage and hand placement are much different from his play at Alabama, but his growth during the season is a shining example of the growth the Texans defense has experienced during the season. Houston finished 15th in the NFL in defensive EPA per play, but after midway through the NFL season, the Texans had one of the fastest, most aggressive defenses in the league, with Anderson Jr. as the linchpin. His aggressive attack hindered opposing tackles all season, but Anderson said he worked on setting it up for different angles and different pass sets.
Anderson Jr. said he is working on using stutter steps and using his speed to set up power. This is a devastating combo in the arsenal of pass rushers. Anderson Jr. finished the season with seven sacks, but his high level of play turned the Texans defense into a formidable young unit.
