Texans HC DeMeco Ryans on defense's struggles with explosive plays

The Houston Texans had one of the best defensive units in the NFL entering 2026.

That still could be true, but it's been anything but top-notch amid an 0-4 start. Houston still has the talent to have one of the league's defenses, but that is not happening so far this season, particularly in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills and the Week 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Against Dallas, Houston had a problem preventing explosive plays. Pro Bowl receiver George Pickens had a 53-yard reception while All-Pro CeeDee Lamb's longest reception was 30 yards. Even if it was just outside the reach of what fan list as explosives, Lamb had a career-high 17 receptions and couldn't be stopped.

Two running backs for Dallas had runs of over 10 yards and its top back, Javonte Williams, scored three touchdowns. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the defense's inability to limit explosive plays so far this year.

"For me, it comes down to being where you're supposed to be, playing technique the proper way on defense. That's what it all comes down to," Ryans said. "A couple times we drop coverage, just poor execution by us defensively, not doing the coverage the proper way."

With a winless record, the Texans have already dug themselves in a hole that is nearly impossible to come out of. If they are going to have any chance of making the playoffs, they need to win their Week 5 game against the Tennessee Titans .

The Titans are not known for their explosive offense and have not scored a lot of points this season, with their most points in a game coming in their Week 2 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at home. Houston also hasn't lost at Nissan Stadium since the 2020 season, with the most points being scored set at 16.