Head Coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the media after the 36-22 loss to the Browns to break down the spark from RB Dameon Pierce and explain how the team was unable to execute the game plan.
Houston Texans’ Head Coach DeMeco Ryans assumed full responsibility for the team’s disappointing 36-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium, despite facing challenges such as injuries. The defeat pushed the Texans to an 8-7 record, but the score didn’t accurately reflect the subpar performance witnessed on the field.
The Texans’ defensive struggles were evident from the start, allowing the Browns to score on their opening drive within the first two minutes. By the time quarterback Davis Mills replaced Case Keenum in the fourth quarter, the Texans were trailing 36-7.
Despite Coach Ryans having a successful year leading the team, he candidly admitted that improvements were necessary, saying, “We have to play better, and it starts with me. I have to coach better. Obviously, we were not good enough today. I have to do better. And we have to play better…It just wasn’t good enough. You try to figure out why it wasn’t good enough.”
In this game, the Texans were without the services of C.J. Stroud, who was still in concussion protocol after the Week 14 loss to the New York Jets. Despite a notable victory in the previous week, the Texans had one of their worst offensive performances of the season, finishing with 250 yards, with the majority of success coming in the fourth quarter.
Mills took over from Keenum and led the team with 149 yards and two touchdowns. Keenum, who finished with 62 passing yards and two interceptions, credited the Browns’ talented defense for their challenging performance, stating, “They [the Browns] didn’t do anything different than what they had done before, but they are a very talented defensive front. I think that’s one of the most talented defenses we have played.”
Injuries continued to plague the Texans, with three starters—Jonathan Greenard, Steven Nelson, and Jimmie Ward—suffering injuries on the first two defensive drives. Greenard and Ward didn’t return, and Nelson’s productivity was visibly affected by a foot injury. Despite Coach Ryans’ emphasis on the “next man up” mentality, the loss of three more starters proved challenging for the team.
The Texans’ defense struggled to contain the Browns, giving up 418 yards. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco had a standout performance with 368 yards and three interceptions, while Amari Cooper set a franchise record for most receiving yards in a game, finishing with 265 yards and two touchdowns.
Besides Stroud, the Texans were also without Will Anderson Jr. and Blake Cashman in their matchup against the Browns.
Coach Ryans expressed a resilient mindset, stating, “With my mindset, it’s all about doing your job. If everybody is in their right spots and doing what they were supposed to be doing, we would have had a shot no matter the injury. We still expect our guys to go out there and do their best.”
In a strategic move, running back Dameon Pierce took on a new role as the Texans’ kick returner, showcasing an impressive performance with 174 yards on five attempts. Pierce’s 98-yard kick return in the second quarter resulted in the Texans’ first touchdown of the day, marking their second special teams touchdown of the season. Coach Ryans commended Pierce, saying, “Dameon gave us the spark we needed… I am proud of Dameon and what he was able to do for us today.” Despite the challenging circumstances, the Texans found a bright spot in Pierce’s contributions.
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