Texans' Coach DeMeco Ryans Takes Responsibility for Embarrassing Loss: 'It Starts with Me'

Despite injuries, coach DeMeco Ryans took full responsibility for the Houston Texans' embarrassing defeat to the Browns.

HOUSTON — A Christmas miracle was not in the works for the Houston Texans, who sustained a 36-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium. Although the Texans dropped to 8-7 following a 14-point defeat, the final score did not justify Houston's horrific performance.

The Texans' defense allowed the Browns to score on the opening drive within the first two minutes. And before quarterback Davis Mills replaced Case Keenum midway through the fourth quarter, the Texans trailed Cleveland 36-7.

As great of a year coach DeMeco Ryans has had at the helm in Houston, he took full responsibility for the Texans' horrendous play. 

"We have to play better, and it starts with me," Ryans said. "I have to coach better. Obviously, we were not good enough today. I have to do better. And we have to play better...It just wasn't good enough. You try to figure out why it wasn't good enough."

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans talks send in a play with linebacker Denzel Perryman against the Cleveland Browns in the second half at NRG Stadium / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Spots

Houston played its second consecutive game without the services of C.J. Stroud, who remained in concussion protocol following the Texans' Week 14 defeat to the New York Jets.

Despite an impressive victory the week before, the Texans had arguably their worst offensive performance of the season. They finished with 250 yards, with the majority of Houston's success coming in the fourth quarter. 

Mills led the Texans with 149 yards and two touchdowns after replacing Keenum, who finished with 62 passing yards and two interceptions as Stroud's replacement.  

Although the offense appeared out of sync from the opening drive, Keenum credited the Browns' defense for their lackluster performance.

"We did not do enough today," Keenum said. "We got our butts kicked...They [the Browns] didn't do anything different than what they had done before, but they are a very talented defensive front. I think that's one of the most talented defenses we have played."

Injuries continue to hurt the Texans

Injuries have hurt the Texans since the start of training camp in late July. And five months later, injuries continue to be a significant issue. Against the Browns, Houston lost three starters on their first two defensive drives.

"We lost guys in this game," Ryans said. "But injuries suck for everybody. But at the end of the day, there is a game to be played. The game isn't going to stop just because we had injuries."

Jonathan Greenard (ankle), Steven Nelson (foot) and Jimmie Ward (quad) sustained their respective injuries early in the first quarter. Greenard and Ward did not return, while it was evident that a wounded foot hampered Nelson's production.

Ryans has preached "next man up" since injury became a significant problem, but the loss of three additional starters became too much for Houston to overcome. 

The Texans gave up 418 yards to the Browns. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who is now 3-1 since starting for Cleveland, finished with a season-best 368 yards and three interceptions. Amari Cooper set a franchise record for most yards by a receiver, finishing with 265 yards on 11 catches with two touchdowns. 

In addition to Stroud, the Texans also took on the Browns without the services of Will Anderson Jr. and Blake Cashman.

"With my mindset, it's all about doing your job," Ryans said. "If everybody is in their right spots and doing what they were supposed to be doing, we would have had a shot no matter the injury. We still expect our guys to go out there and do their best."

Davis Mills Still Searching for New Opportunity: 'I Want to Compete'

New role for Dameon Pierce?

The Texans debuted a new role for running back Dameon Pierce, who had his best game of the season. He took the helm as the Texans' kick returner and recorded 174 yards on five attempts.

At the 12:04 mark of the second quarter, Pierce recorded a 98-yard kick return to give the Texans their first touchdown of the day. His return marked Houston's second special team touchdown of the season.

"Dameon gave us the spark we needed," Ryans said. "He gave us a chance to get back into the game. Putting him back there for kick returns is something we have practiced all week, and he showed up. I am proud of Dameon and what he was able to do for us today."