Smiling Through It All: DeMeco Ryans Joyous Following First Texans Win

Coach DeMeco Ryans was all smiles following the Houston Texans 37-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, which marked his first career victory as head coach.

Houston Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans credited every phase of his team for the massive smile on his face. But fullback Andrew Beck may have brought the most significant joy.

Beck recorded an 86-yard kick return during the Texans' 37-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday afternoon at TIAA Bank Stadium. The win gave Ryans his first career victory as coach of the Texans. 

"I saw it late," Ryans said. "I was looking down. But when I looked up, Beck was coming at me. I was like, 'Oh, he'll make this guy miss.' But then, he kept moving. And then, it was a touchdown. I am very excited for Beck. He owed us one because he missed a block on the first kick-off return. But he paid us back big time with a touchdown."

The Texans entered Jacksonville riding a two-game losing streak, and the disappointing start to the season began to weigh on a dejected Ryans. 

He spent the previous two weeks thinking about what his first career victory would look like. And to achieve the career milestone, Ryans said his goal was to continue preaching complimentary football.

His teachings led to another impressive performance by C.J. Stroud. The rookie quarterback finished the game by completing 20 out of 30 attempts for 280 yards and two touchdowns. One of Stroud's connections to the end zone resulted in a 68-yard reception to Tank Dell.

Ryans was proud of the production from his rookies but was more delighted by the performance of the offensive line. 

The Texans played their second consecutive game without the services of Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. But for the first time this season, the offensive line kept the pocket clean for Stroud. Despite giving up four quarterback hits, the offensive line did not give up a sack against the Jaguars.

The depleted offensive line gave up 19 hits and 11 sacks during their 0-2 start to the season.

"I think our offensive line played really well," Ryans said. "They kept the quarterback clean. They played well as a unit and that is what it takes. It takes all five guys playing together, along with the tight end. All 11 guys played well. But true credit to coach Chris Strausser and what the offensive line did today."

The Texans had their highest-scoring game since a 41-26 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in December 2021. 

The offense displayed the explosiveness of Ryans' desires due to the number of playmakers who stepped up in Jacksonville. But Ryans left the Week 3 contest expressing delight on both sides of the ball due to the defense's production.

Linebacker Blake Cashman and cornerback Shaquill Griffin led Ryans' defensive swarm mentality, as each player made plays for their respective position groups. 

Cashman recorded an interception on quarterback Trevor Lawrence late in the third quarter. He finished the game with six tackles, two pass deflections, and one fumble recovery. Griffin recorded a team-best 10 tackles with seven solo hits while starting in place of the injured Derek Stingley Jr.

"Defensively, our guys were flying around and playing SWARM football," Ryans said. "That's what I like, players attacking the ball...Playmakers have to step up and make plays for us to win games in this league. We had a great week of practice. And it resulted in a win because guys came out and worked today."

The smile Ryans displayed after the game resembled the joy he expressed during his introductory press conference in February, where the former All-Pro linebacker spoke on his yearnings for the team.

Owner Cal McNair presented Ryans with the game ball as the result of his first career victory at the helm of the Texans. The locker room presentation led to an even bigger smile for Ryans.

"To get this first win, it's definitely special," Ryans said. "I've been thinking about this for a long time. I am so proud of our guys and the work they have put in to help us get this first win. This was a team effort. And I am thankful to be in this position to help lead these men."