The Texans have turned their season around just enough to stack two wins after an 0-4 start, but DeMeco Ryans isn’t letting the recent momentum hide a glaring problem.
After Houston’s 34-31 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Ryans made it clear on Monday that the defense’s tackling has to get better fast, especially with the New York Giants coming next. Jacksonville’s backs gave the Texans plenty of trouble after contact, and Ryans did not sugarcoat what he saw.
“Right now, the tackling is not good enough. Way too many missed tackles.
We have to make those tackles. Tackling has to improve,” Ryans said.
His point was simple: Houston was often around the ball, but that didn’t matter if the play still wasn’t finished. The Jaguars’ runners did their part by slipping free, but Ryans said the Texans have to do theirs as well.
“We were in position to make the tackle. Credit to Jacksonville running backs, they broke a lot tackles,” Ryans said. “Have to wrap up, squeeze and run your feet, just kind of arm tackling.”
That issue becomes a bigger concern with the Giants on deck. New York brings a physical rushing group led by Cam Skattebo, Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy, which gives Houston another direct test of its ability to clean up missed tackles and close plays out.
Ryans said the fix has to come quickly.
“We have to improve very quickly,” Ryans said.
For the Texans, the equation is straightforward. Being close to a tackle is not enough. Until they start finishing those plays, a physical offense can keep drives alive and keep the defense on the field.
Houston has built some momentum with back-to-back victories, but the next step is holding up against another run-heavy challenge. Ryans has already drawn the line. Now the Texans have to answer it on the field.
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