Houston Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans Says Lack of Playmaking Led to Loss vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Houston Texans were 1:26 away from their longest winning streak since 2018. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud put the Texans ahead by one point with an 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Schultz late in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons.
But on Atlanta's final drive, kicker Younghoe Koo drilled an 18-yard field goal to send the Texans back to Houston with a 21-19 loss.
Houston's defeat at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium came down to the final play. But coach DeMeco Ryans felt the Texans did not make enough plays to keep their two-game winning streak alive.
"We were in position, but we have to make plays," Ryans said. "That is what it comes down to. When you are in position, can you make the plays? Tackling, not allowing extra yards. We have to play more disciplined. We have to find a way for our playmakers to make plays."
Ryans attributed their third loss of the season to several mishaps. But none more so than their lack of third-down conversions.
The Texans were four for 13 on third-down efficiency. Houston did not record its first third down until 41 seconds left in the first half when Stroud connected with rookie wide receiver Tank Dell for 29 yards.
Midway through the third quarter, the Texans' lack of production became more alarming when the offense failed to capitalize on back-to-back takeaways by the defense.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) reacts after a catch against the Houston Texans in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
"This is a game we could've had," Ryans said. "We had a lot of opportunities. A lot of chances for us to win this game. But that wasn't the case. Who is going to step up and make plays in those moments? We did not do that today."
The Texans' defense did not give up too many big plays. They did a solid job containing rookie running back Bijan Robinson, who was held to 46 yards on 14 attempts.
But Houston's defense could not stop second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder from making several prominent plays. The defense allowed Ridder to complete 75.6 percent of his passes for 329 yards and one touchdown.
Ridder's best play came early in the fourth quarter after the Texans' defense gave up a 32-yard reception to wide receiver Drake London, which set the Falcons up for a 33-yard field goal to push the Falcons ahead 18-12.
Ryans didn't feel London's play changed the momentum of the game. But the catch made by the second-year wide receiver was the perfect example of the plays the Texans failed to make in Atlanta.
"Credit to Atlanta, they made plays and we didn't," Ryans said. "To win games, you must step up and make plays. I am proud of the defense for taking the ball two times. It gave us an opportunity. But again, it was just too many plays that we didn't make."
