Texans QB Protection a 'Group Effort' Says Coach DeMeco Ryans

The Houston Texans got a big win in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the protection of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is a big reason why.

There weren't a lot of people outside of the Houston Texans organization that believed the team could get a big upset win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3.

Playing on the road, and against the team many had as the favorite to win the AFC South, the Texans not only pulled off the upset win but won by a margin of 20 points - the fifth-largest margin of victory last weekend.

"Just really proud of our guys and with the effort they played with, the physical mindset our team played with," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "Went down to Jacksonville versus a very tough team, tough opponent, and the way our guys stepped up and played, I'm very proud of that effort and that mindset. That's winning football."

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Aiding largely in the victory was Houston's ability to keep quarterback C.J. Stroud clean as the Jaguars hit the rookie just four times and sacked him zero.

While many are praising the offensive line, as they should, Ryans reminded everyone it's not just the five up front making sure the quarterback stays out of the dirt. 

"Group effort from upfront, all five offensive linemen," Ryans said. "But it's also the tight ends, the (running backs), the quarterback. Everybody helps out in protection, so it's not just the offensive line. The offensive line did a really great job."

The offensive line will get the majority of the credit, but smart decision-making from the quarterback along with contributions from tight ends and backs when called upon helped the Texans complete their cleanest offensive performance in some time.

"I thought our backs stepped up. They protected well," Ryans said. "C.J. [Stroud] did a very good job of delivering the ball on time, getting it out quick, speeding up his process when he needed to speed it up versus pressure, so it was a team effort when it came to the protection, but credit to the line. They did a really nice job."

And it has everyone believing the new path being forged is a good one.