Photo by Andre Odums/Ossports
The Houston Texans look to improve in a few areas this upcoming season with the edition of its new head coach DeMeco Ryans. Ryans, a former linebacker who played for Philadelphia (2012) and Houston (2006), spent six seasons coaching defense in San Francisco.
The 49ers hired Ryans as the defensive quality control coach in February 2017, then promoted him to linebackers coach in 2018 and defensive coordinator in 2021.
On January 31, 2023, the Texans hired Ryans as its head coach.
Texans General Manager Nick Caserio feels like Ryans is the guy who will help build a sustainable program with long-term success. He also likes that Ryans has a proven track record of success and an innate ability to lead people.
Before Ryans left San Francisco in 2022, its defense held the top spot in the NFC.
Ryans and the Texans share the same ideas about building a foundation. Experienced players who will add knowledge to a youthful club group are a step in the right direction.
The Texans have experience in tight end Dalton Schultz and safety Jimmie Ward. Also, a couple of draft picks, Quarterback CJ Stroud (Ohio State) and edge defender Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) will see action early.
Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick behind Brice Young, performed well as a signal caller for the Buckeyes. Stroud finished his Ohio State career with 575 completions, 8,123 passing yards, and 85 touchdowns against 12 interceptions.
Barring injury, Stroud will jump into action quickly as the Texans are high on the 6’3″ 218-pound sharpshooter. His athletic ability can buy time in the pocket and allow him to bounce outside while avoiding would-be tacklers.
However, the Texans’ lack of regarding the receiver’s position could create a problem. According to Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, it will open training camp ranked last. Still, Ryans is okay with the nay-sayer’s thoughts concerning the lack. He believes the receiving corps may lift some eyebrows.
Noah Brown, Nico Collins, Nathaniel Dell, Xavier Hutchinson, and Schultz will team up to boost production from the receiver position. Dell (third-round pick) and Hutchinson (sixth-round) will see its first NFL action when preseason kicks off in August.
It could be a thought-provoking season as the Texans’ offense will operate out of the West Coast offense led by new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Slowik spent his last six seasons with the 49ers as an offensive passing game coordinator.
He motivates the offense and gives every player a reason to share in this offense.
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