DeMeco Ryans Previews Challenge Houston Texans Will Face in Week 11 vs. Kyler Murray
In his first year with the Houston Texans, head coach DeMeco Ryans is utilizing his experiences as defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers to shape his new organization. From the winning mindset he consistently preached or the defensive scheme he’s carried over, elements of San Francisco have been left all over the Texans, on both sides of the ball.
In Week 11, Houston will host the Arizona Cardinals. In turn, Ryans will lean on his defensive coordinator days to prepare for Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.
Ryans had been with the 49ers, both as a coordinator and an inside linebackers coach, for the duration of Murray’s career. In that time Murray is 2-3 against San Francisco, averaging just 6.2 yards per pass attempt. While boasting six passing touchdowns to only two interceptions, he was sacked multiple times in each game and never topped two passing touchdowns in a particular contest.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray begins to roll out to his right.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
On Monday, the Coach of the Year candidate elaborated on facing Murray and the challenges that presents.
“I haven’t had a chance to watch them much, but I know Kyler is back. Gone against Kyler a lot. Kyler is definitely one of the fastest, most explosive quarterbacks you’ll see.”
In his return from an ACL tear in Week 10, he faced off against the Atlanta Falcons. In a last-second win, he accounted for 33 yards and a score on the ground. He consistently evaded Atlanta’s pass rush and looked like his typical freaky-athletic self.
Of course, that doesn’t make life very easy for Houston’s defense, at any level.
“Makes a lot of plays with his feet, off-schedule, so you have to definitely be on it in coverage,” Ryans said. “‘You gotta cover them twice,’ as I say because Kyler does a good job of moving around. So we have to definitely be ready to chase him around a little.”
Houston has the horses to chase Murray, though he’s made a habit of edge rushers attempting to get themselves in the box score. Being disciplined and keeping contain will be vital.
After a four-sack performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10, the Texans defense will be tasked with imposing its will again. However, it’s an 11-man effort to limit someone of his talent. Extending plays long enough to get receivers open in a scramble drill—and retaining the arm talent and elasticity to hit them—makes him dangerous up until the whistle.
“Really talented quarterback, not only running, but he does a good job of throwing the ball as well,” Ryans said. “So we have our hands full with the Cardinals.”
Murray completed 19-of-32 passes on Sunday for 249 yards and an interception. He wasn’t dominant through the air, but his athleticism will keep him viable as he gets acclimated to a new offense.
Houston has fallen victim to trap games before, and with just two wins to their name, the Cardinals are a treacherous foe. Expect the offense to continue the laser show while the Texans defense determines the outcome of Sunday’s contest.
