The Houston Texans finishing as the worst team in the NFL at stopping the run wasn’t an outlier.
In 2021, the Texans were the second-worst at stopping the run. Houston was tied for fifth-worst yards per carry surrendered that season, and then finished fourth-worst in the same category a year later.
Teams knew they could have a balanced offense when playing Houston. In order to make teams two dimensional, the Texans defense must stop the run.
From what second-year linebacker Christian Harris has seen through throughout the Texans’ offseason workouts, new coach DeMeco Ryans’ defense should be able to provide a more formidable boundary.
“I think it’s just all based off the scheme, buying into what we have going on, whatever coach is coaching us up to do,” Harris said. “We in the process of building that right now. I’m sure when the season come, we are going to be ready for it.”
Defensive end Jerry Hughes is confident in the new scheme due to its emphasis on the defensive line playing more aggressively. As such, the defense has taken on a revitalized personality, and one that resembles their rookie coach.
Said Harris: “I think we have a very energetic team overall. I think it starts with the staff. DeMeco coming in and the type of intensity and energy he’s bringing. More detail-oriented. I think everybody is just buying into that.”
When Ryans was defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers the past two seasons, the defense finished tied for fifth-best and first in terms of yards per carry surrendered.
