DeMeco Ryans Reveals How Texans Can Improve in Rematch vs. Browns

The Houston Texans believe they have enough talent to advance in the playoffs, but fixing the problems that led to a Christmas Eve embarrassment is the top objective.

HOUSTON — Christmas Eve was not a joyous day for the Houston Texans. Joe Flacco and Amari Cooper dominated at NRG Stadium, where the Texans sustained a 36-22 Week 16 defeat. Houston trailed 22-7 at the half. 

Nearly three weeks after the Browns ruined their Christmas season, the Texans have a chance to revenge their loss Saturday afternoon during a Wild Card match to open the 2023 postseason. 

The Texans will have a healthier team during their rematch. But coach DeMeco Ryans believes Houston's mishaps in their first meeting against the Browns had more to do with the "self-inflicted" wounds. 

One misfortune that stood out to Ryans when reviewing the game was the 10 penalties against the Texans that accounted for 76 yards.

"We gave up too many explosive passes and Amari [Cooper] had an outstanding game," Ryans said. "Watching it again, he had some of the best catches I’ve seen all year, even though guys were in coverage and in position, he still made unbelievable catches. He had an outstanding game, so we just have to be in a position to cover him better. We have to make plays to get off the field on third-down as well."

Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper makes a reception and scores a touchdown as Houston Texans cornerback D'Angelo Ross defends during the second quarter at NRG Stadium / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

On the Texans' first defensive drive, Flacco connected with Cooper for a 53-yard completion. The play helped the Browns finish their series by scoring the first of five touchdowns. It also marked the first of eight explosive plays the Texans gave up, with Cooper accounting for six.

Cooper hauled in 11 catches for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Flacco, who was starting his fourth game under center, finished with 368 yards while going 27 of 42 with three touchdowns. 

"To only be there for about a month now, just to see how much trust they have in him, seeing the plays that he’s able to make, and the play-action passing game, the shot plays down the field, the accuracy," Ryans said. 

"He’s doing an unbelievable job, and he’s the reason why they’re in the position they’re in because he’s made a ton of plays for them. It hasn’t surprised me because Joe has done it for a long time throughout his entire career, so it hasn’t surprised me one bit with the plays he’s been able to make."

The defense had arguably their worst game of the season. But the loss Houston sustained did not fall solely on the defense. The Texans struggled to find their offensive rhythm without rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had missed his second consecutive game due to a concussion.

They generated 250 total yards with Case Keenum starting in place of Stroud. Outside of a kick return touchdown by Dameon Pierce, Houston's offense did not score their first touchdown until the 6:08 mark of the fourth quarter when Davis Mills completed a five-yard to wide receiver Nico Collins. 

"They are a great team, I am excited to get this match up again," Stroud said. "They have the No. 1 defense for a reason. They can do a lot of special things, and it starts up front. We have to be on our A game and play at a high level."

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The Texans believe they have the intangibles to punch their ticket to the Divisional Round and perhaps a trip to Las Vegas in early February. But the objective for Houston entering Saturday's playoff game is to fix the problems that led to a nightmare before Christmas. 

"Nothing was good enough," Ryans said. "We have to play much better. Our last outing against them wasn't good enough across the board."