Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans pulls no punches. The former Alabama Crimson Tide and Texans linebacker knows what it takes to sustain great play at an NFL level over the long-term but certainly over an NFL season as well.
The Texans have been scorching hot on a winning streak as the team has taken down several AFC contenders. But Ryans is aware of the team’s new challenge ahead, an off-field battle with complacency. And his brutal honesty may be just enough to keep his team grounded.
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Ryans discussed how his defense can maintain humility and stay focused over the next few weeks.
“If they try to get satisfied, I won’t let them. It’s going to be hard. For us as a team, I know a lot of people are applauding the defense and talking about how good the defense is. But our guys, we all know, we’re honest, I’m an honest coach and there’s always room for improvement.”
Maintaining humility is easy in theory, but more difficult in practice. Add in the fact that this week’s opponent is 3-10 and firmly out of the playoff race and it becomes more difficult to bring the same preparation the team brought for the Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts and a handful of other playoff contenders.
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans celebrates with defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (90) after a play during the second half against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium.
Sean Thomas-Imagn Images
Ryans is respecting his opponent, however, and it could be the difference in bringing a great performance on Sunday. He heaped praise on a familiar face on the other side at quarterback, who once played for a divisional foe in the Indianapolis Colts, Jacoby Brissett. Ryans discussed Brissett’s play this season and what he brings to the Cardinals offense.
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“(Brissett) is playing at a high level. I think he’s one of the better quarterbacks that we’ll see all year when you talk about decision making, where he can place the football. He doesn’t make bad decisions. He’s not forcing the ball… so, I’m impressed with Jacoby and what he’s been able to do.”
Coaches tend to heap praise on the given week’s opponent regardless of whether or not they fear the opposing player to that degree. That said, Brissett has done a tremendous job at times this season despite not getting a whole lot of help from his new team.
Brissett has put up 2,459 yards, 15 touchdowns and 5 interceptions with a 66.2% completion rate in 2025. In other words, he’s as good as Ryans describes.
The Texans are guarding against complacency. The Cardinals game will indicate whether or not their efforts are adequate.