A win is what the Houston Texans needed to give credibility to rookie coach DeMeco Ryans.
The Texans closed out their September slate with a 37-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sept. 24 at EverBank Field against the defending AFC South champions.
There are still 14 games left, but collecting the first win was a boost.
The McNair family presented Ryans with one of the game balls after the win that improves Houston’s record to 1-2.
“It was humbling, and to receive the game ball after the first win, it’s humbling,” Ryans said.” I’m thankful for the McNairs and for them trusting me with the opportunity to lead this team, lead this organization and it’s just the start for us for how we wanted to look.”
Ryans segued from the moment and into the larger vision for the team.
Said Ryans: “We want to develop a winning culture here, and that was the start of it, so it was a very special moment for me, one I’ll always remember and I’m very thankful for them.”
The Texans are headed into another emotionally charged matchup as Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers features the enshrinement of J.J. Watt into the Ring of Honor at halftime at NRG Stadium. Houston fans are hopeful that contest also ends with a game ball for Ryans.