Ryans Maintains Confidence in Offensive Coordinator Despite Texans’ Struggles
Despite the offensive struggles the team is facing, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has confirmed that he has no plans to make changes to his coaching staff, specifically in the offensive coordinator position.The Texans made the decision to fire former offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik in January due to the results of 2024, when the unit averaged 21.9 points and 320 yards per game. However, the Texans’ offense has experienced a setback under the direction of new offensive coordinator Nick Caley. In the current season, Houston averages 21.2 points and 304 yards per game. Excluding the 44-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, in which the Ravens were without several All-Pro starters, the offense averages 16 points per game. A significant problem from last season was pass protection. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked 52 times, the second-highest figure, only surpassed by rookie Caleb Williams (68). In the first seven weeks of this season, Stroud is tied for ninth in sacks (15) and has been pressured 74 times, although he has only played in six games. Stroud’s stats this season have yet to reach the levels of his rookie year in 2023, when he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and four interceptions, leading the league in touchdown-to-interception ratio, with a passer rating of 100. This season, he has nine touchdowns and four interceptions, with a passer rating of 91. Houston’s ground attack has also experienced a setback, dropping from an average of 117 yards per game (13th) to 106 yards per game, although star running back Joe Mixon has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury. The Texans’ offensive struggles could continue as the team faces the San Francisco 49ers, who rank seventh in points allowed per game (19.7). Furthermore, there’s a possibility that Houston’s star receiver, Nico Collins, won’t participate due to being in concussion protocol after hitting his head against the playing field against the Seahawks. Despite adversity, Ryans takes responsibility and remains optimistic.“We’re moving forward with everyone we have,” Ryans declared a day after the Texans’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks. “We’re all in this together.”
DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans Head Coach
“It all starts with me,” Ryans stated. “So, if you want to point fingers at someone, point them at me. That’s my job and ultimately, my job is to fix it. That’s how it’s going to be, but we move forward with what we have and we all have to get better. We have to coach better. We have to play better. We have to execute better on game day. And, as bad as it seems, I tell the guys at the end of the day, we’re still one possession away from winning that game.”
DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans Head Coach
