DeMeco Ryans made major change for Texans’ playoff game against Ravens

Jul 30, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans watches players warm up during training camp practice at the Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

DeMeco Ryans utilized a much different strategy for his Houston Texans’ playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday from what he typically does.

Ryans, who is in his first season as the Texans’ head coach, also calls plays for the team’s defense. In the three seasons he has called plays for a defense (including the previous two seasons as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator), Ryans’ defenses have typically blitzed 22 percent of the time. However, in the first half of their Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md., Ryans blitzed 72 percent of the time.

Texans defense in the first half:

• 72% blitz rate
• 3 sacks
• 5 QB hits
• 52 passing yards allowed
• 10 points allowed

DeMeco Ryans has this defense ROLLING 👀 pic.twitter.com/CNQzvoyf5P

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 20, 2024

The game was tied at 10 at halftime, but the Ravens adjusted in the second half.

Baltimore started to utilize more quick passes to neutralize the blitz. They scored touchdowns on their first two possessions of the second half.

Though Houston’s defense couldn’t keep it together over the final two quarters of the game, their change in strategy was apparent in the first half — and it worked (for the first 30 minutes).