DeMeco Ryans Ready for Ravens, Reflects On Texans 'Full Circle'

The last time DeMeco Ryans played for the Houston Texans, it came during the franchise's post-season defeat to the Baltimore Ravens.

HOUSTON — Life is going to come full circle for coach DeMeco Ryans on Sunday afternoon. The Houston Texans will open their 2023 regular season against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.

It will mark his first official game as head coach. ... with the last time Ryans being associated with the Texans came during the 2011 Divisional Round - also involving the Ravens.

The Texans lost, 20-13, which eliminated Houston from the postseason. The game marked the last time Ryans wore the Texans' deep steel blue and battle red colors as a player.

"I remember that was a tough loss for us," Ryans said. "Being in Baltimore, playoff game, came up short. We had a young quarterback in T.J. Yates who was leading the way for us, and we could have done more. We would’ve liked a better outcome in that game, but it happens."

Ryans recorded two tackles in the loss. The Texans fell behind 17-3 after the first quarter to the Ravens. But despite the heartbreaking loss, Ryans said he was proud of his team's efforts.

The Texans remained afloat throughout the season despite losing starting quarterback Matt Schaub to a foot injury in Week 10. That led to Houston leaning upon Yates in Baltimore. He completed 48.5 percent of his passes for 184 yards and three interceptions.

Houston's lone touchdown came late in the second quarter scored by running back Arian Foster.

"I’m proud of that team and where we were able to go with a rookie quarterback and being able to go to the second round of the playoffs, I think that was a very successful year for us with the Texans," Ryans said. "I’m proud of that team and what we were able to accomplish that year."

In the first 10 years of the franchise's existence, the 2011 campaign was one of the best seasons for the Texans. Houston finished the year with a 10-6 record under coach Gary Kubiak. Ryans helped the Texans establish a top-five defense, as Houston held teams to 17.4 points. 

Ryans did not have a Pro Bowl season in his final year in Houston. But his on-field contributions remained high, as he recorded 64 tackles, six tackles for loss and two quarterback hits.

He began his career as a second-round pick (No. 33 overall) by the Texans in 2006. Ryans played six seasons in Houston before the Texans traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles in March of that year.

As he begins his head coaching career, he hopes the outcome for the Texans will be different when returning to Maryland. But Ryans anticipates the Texans adopting the defensive mindset that led Houston to the Divisional Round in Baltimore over a decade ago. 

"I want to see our team go out and play with effort, precision, and physicality," Ryans said. "It’s going to be a physical game, so I want to see our team be the most physical team on Sunday. We know we’re going to have to bring it because we’re going against a really tough opponent."