DeMeco Ryans would be the first to say the Houston Texans failed to live up to their preseason expectations.
When camp broke back in July, multiple pundits said Houston could be a threat to run the AFC. They had the pieces with a breakout quarterback in C.J. Stroud, plus the additions of Pro Bowl talents in wide receiver Stefon Diggs, running back Joe Mixon and defensive end Danielle Hunter.
But injuries, lack of creativity and self-inflicted wounds resulted in the Texans trudging their way back to 10 wins. They posted a 1-6 record against playoff-bound rosters, including back-to-back embarrassing losses to Kansas City and Baltimore.
That’s in the past for Ryans. Ten wins were good enough to secure a second-straight division title and a home playoff game.
The focus isn’t on what went wrong, but on what must go right to secure a win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday afternoon.
“We’re here now, let’s go play,” Ryans said. “For me, nothing else matters. It’s how you’re playing right now. Are you playing your best ball going into the playoffs? That’s what matters most. And are you able to consistently keep up with that when you are in the playoffs? Can you continue to play good ball?”
The Texans (10-7) aren’t playing like a Super Bowl-bound roster, but a signature win over the Tennessee Titans could provide a much-welcomed spark. C.J. Stroud only played one drive, but he was a perfect 6-of-6 for 50 yards and a touchdown.
“I understand our business and understand how tough it is to be successful every year in this league, so I never take it for granted,” said Texans HC DeMeco Ryans when I asked how he has been so successful as other head coaches are losing their jobs. #Texans #BigSargeMedia pic.twitter.com/U294Vk3Auk
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) January 6, 2025
Defensively, Houston held Tennessee (3-14) to 85 yards a week after letting Derrick Henry run rampant like his previous days in a Titans’ uniform. They notched two sacks and even forced a fumble that led to a 36-yard scoop-and-score from Derek Barnett.
That’s the Texans’ version of football players like Joe Mixon and Will Anderson Jr. have mentioned during locker room meetings. It’s the one needed to take down a surging Bolts squad at home to begin the postseason.
DeMeco Ryans mentioned the excellent tackle play from the Chargers but noted the Texans gave excellent edge rushers. Mentioned it’s a marquee matchup for this game and they have to win some of those battles.
He added the Houston interior DL will be key against the Chargers run… pic.twitter.com/IElmgS76Zp
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) January 6, 2025
“At this level, if you make a mistake, it can cost you,” Ryans said. “Every game is sort of like that. But here in the playoffs, even more so because all the teams that are here, they deserve to be here. They wouldn’t be here if they weren’t good teams. So if you give good teams more opportunities to go score, they’re going to find a way to score.”
Los Angeles (11-6) enters Saturday with the NFL’s top defense in terms of points per game (17.7) and opposing red-zone touchdown percentage (44.6%). Headlined by All-Pro safety Derwin James, the Chargers also boast a top-five unit in opponents’ third-down rate (35.7) and sacks (46).
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans’ thorough scouting report on a ‘well-coached, sound football team’ in playoff opponent Saturday against #Chargers @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/MVdaqMIg3f
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 6, 2025
The Texans have allowed the third-most sacks this season while struggling to convert on third-and-short. It’s an area of emphasis Houston plans to attack throughout practice this week.
“Those are the areas that we have to be really good at in the playoffs because good teams aren’t going to make mistakes,” Ryans said. “You have to find a way to beat them.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT on CBS. With a win, Houston would likely travel to Arrowhead for a rematch of Week 16 with Kansas City.