The Texans had much to celebrate Sunday.
- They delivered in a must-have situation, defeating AFC South rival Tennessee 26-3 on the road in the battle of two winless teams.
- It was confirmed in postgame that the Texans have executed a trade that will reunite quarterback C.J. Stroud with former Ohio State teammate and big-time receiving threat Marvin Harrision, Jr.
- And in head coach DeMeco Ryans’ return to defensive playcalling, the defense was dominant and for the first time this season resembled the unit that earned the reputation as one of the best in the NFL in 2025.
Now let’s keep it real, the first two are nice occurrences.
The defense delivering a lights-out performance – even against a pedestrian Titans offense led by a much-maligned Cam Ward – was essential. The Texans’ defense needed to show that it was capable of having its way with an offense and pitching a virtual shutout, if you don’t count that feeling-out opening drive in which the Titans moved the ball downfield with ease but had to settle for a field goal.
And it happened on the heels of El Capitan, aka Texans head coach, announcing last week that after a disastrous first four games, he was taking back over defensive play-calling from defensive coordinator Matt Burke.
“It all starts with me. If there’s a lack in communication, I look at myself first,” Ryans said. “It starts with me and making sure I’m a better communicator. Just to help spark things more, I’m going to take over the play-calling for the defense. I’m going to make sure that communication is right.”
It seemed like a desperate move, especially considering that Ryans had turned over defensive play-calling duties after last season’s 0-3 start. But as the saying goes, desperate times bring about desperate measures.
Suddenly, on Sunday, we saw the Texans’ defense out there playing free and without hesitation, sacking the quarterback four times, twice forcing turnovers, and giving the Titans’ ground attack nowhere to go.
It was a sign that Ryans has done what a good leader does: Identify the problem and fix it.
The Texans simply couldn’t keep traveling down the same road they were on for the first four games, where it seemed like the defense was giving up 30 points to everybody. Ryans admitted there was a disconnect somewhere in communication.
And the buck stops at the front door of his office.
“If our guys are saying communication is not right, then that, ultimately, it falls on me,” Ryans said. “It’s on me to get it fixed. It’s just no slight against Coach Burke; he’s done an outstanding job.”
We have to admit that Game 1 of Ryans’ return to defensive play calling coincided with the unit looking its best this season. Defensive ends Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter were flying all over the place, making Ward uncomfortable all afternoon.
The secondary, led by Derek Stingley, Kamari Lassiter, and Jalen Pitre, all did a solid job in not allowing the Titans’ returns to do any damage.
But as big as Ryans’ return to defensive play calling was the return of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who had missed last week’s 34-30 defensive meltdown against the Cowboys. The defense just seems to flow better with 0 out there running down ball carriers.
But the real test of how much this defense has bounced back under Ryans’ increased involvement will be revealed this week when the Texans cross the pond to face the AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars and quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
It’s way too premature to be discussing the Texans’ nearly impossible playoff chances after starting the season 0-4, but a dominant performance against division rivals could create some chatter.
More importantly for now, it would restore some needed confidence in the defense and belief that Ryans is capable of saving his defense and quite possibly salvaging the season.
“It’s the job, it’s always a chess match. I’m excited to see if I can help our team,” Ryans said. “That’s what I’m most excited about is not about me at all. It’s about our team and how can I best help the players. That’s the reason why I’m doing this. It has nothing to do with me.”
