Texans' Jalen Pitre Wants to be 'Mean and Aggressive'
After two stellar years as the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, DeMeco Ryans became the hottest name in the head coach hunting market. Now, he is leading the Houston Texans and creating a new culture.
The former linebacker has been on the defensive side of the ball throughout his football life, playing angrily and hitting hard. In his short time with the Texans thus far, Ryans has instilled his aggressive mentality into the defense, especially in second-year safety Jalen Pitre.
“It’s all about running to the ball and being mean when you get there," Pitre said at the podium on Monday. "I think coach 'Meco preaches that and wants us to all be aggressive. I'm gonna continue to do that and trying to be the first one to the ball."
Pitre bonded with Ryans during OTAs and looks forward to working with him this season.
"It's been fun. He’s a real coach, a guy that really loves football," Pitre said of Ryans to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. "His energy is contagious. In a meeting room, on the field, you can see why he’s been successful on the field and off the field. I’m excited to be able to play for him."
Pitre shined throughout his rookie campaign in 2022, recording the 11th-most tackles (147) and tied for the second-most interceptions (5) in the NFL. At just 24 years old, Pitre hopes to take a massive leap this season and fellow Texans safety Jimmie Ward might be able to lift him up even higher.
Ward, 31, is regarded as one of the better safeties in the league due to his experience, especially in the nickel formation. He was a member of the 49ers defense (coached by Ryans), before signing with the Texans this offseason. Pitre admires his new teammate's hard-hitting ability and looks forward to working with him.
"I love guys that don’t shy away from contact," Pitre said. "Things like that are inspiring to me because I’m always trying to push him, and he’s always trying to push me. It’s always growth in that. I’m blessed to be able to play with him.”
The Texans will resume training camp on Aug. 4. We may catch a glimpse of Pitre's aggressive play style then.
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