Former NC State standout Mario Williams is proving the critics wrong this season and last night he was outstanding for Houston.
In the Texans 30-13 win over Denver, Williams totaled seven tackles and 3.5 sacks, pushing his season sack total to 13.
His 13 sacks this season is a team record, as no other player has ever recorded double-digit sacks in a season. Mario now has 17.5 sacks for his career, which surpasses the previous team record for career sacks. Linebacker Kailee Wong held the record with 15.
Williams has been on a tear lately. Over his last five games, Williams has tallied nine sacks, setting a team record with a sack in each of his last five games. His 13 sacks lead the AFC and ranks second in the NFL behind Seattle's Patrick Kearney (13.5).
"That's what I was drafted for," Williams said after the game. "I feel like I have to be accountable to my teammates and this organization to go out and try to help us win a game and get a winning season."
The 6-foot-6, 293-pounder has also totaled 53 tackles, two forced fumbles, and fumble recovery, and a touchdown as he's making a statement to be selected for his first Pro Bowl appearance. After the third sack of Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, Williams showcased his hula dancing moves, likely lobbying for an invitation to the Pro Bowl.
"Good player," Cutler said of Williams. "Obviously they draft him first overall. So they are getting their money's worth these days, aren't they?"
Fan voting for the event ended on Tuesday, but players and coaches still have until Monday to enter their votes.
Behind the strong play of Williams, his defensive teammates, and a developing offense, the Texans are making a surprising move for the playoffs. The Texans have tied the franchise record for wins (7) with two games left. At 7-7, a wildcard berth is still a possibility, and the team has never finished above .500.
If "Super Mario" keeps playing this way, look out.