Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans (left) reacts during the second quarter of an AFC divisional round game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

DeMeco Ryans made major change to Texans defense game plan vs. Ravens

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 1/20/24

DeMeco Ryans utilized a much different strategy for his Houston Texans’ playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday from what he typically does.

Ryans, who is in his first season as the Texans’ head coach, also calls plays for the team’s defense.

In the three seasons he has called plays for a defense (including the previous two seasons as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator), Ryans’ defenses have typically blitzed 22% of the time.

However, in the first half of their divisional round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Ryans blitzed 72% of the time.

Texans defense in the first half:

• 72% blitz rate
• 3 sacks
• 5 QB hits
• 52 passing yards allowed
• 10 points allowed

DeMeco Ryans has this defense ROLLING pic.twitter.com/CNQzvoyf5P

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 20, 2024

The game was tied at 10 at halftime, but the Ravens adjusted in the second half.

The Ravens started to utilize more quick passes to neutralize the blitz. They scored touchdowns on their first two possessions of the second half to increase their lead to 24-10

Though Houston’s defense couldn’t keep it together over the final two quarters of the game, its change in strategy was apparent in the first half — and it worked (for the first 30 minutes).

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: