DeMeco Ryans is implementing a significant adjustment to the Houston Texans’ defense following a rough beginning to the campaign, assuming defensive play-calling responsibilities from Matt Burke.
Ryans revealed the choice on Wednesday as the Texans search for a solution to their 0-4 predicament. Burke had handled the defensive play-calling since early in the previous season.
DeMeco Ryans assumes control of play-calling
Ryans clarified that the choice stemmed from a wish to enhance communication and ensure the accountability ultimately falls on him.
“It all starts with me,” Ryans stated. He added that if a communication issue exists, he thinks he must first examine himself and implement the required adjustments.
Ryan emphasized that the change was not a condemnation of Burke, stating the defensive coordinator had performed an “outstanding job”. Rather, the Texans coach aims to simplify how information reaches his players and stop communication problems from continuing to control conversations surrounding the defense.
Texans’ defense battles with explosive plays
The choice comes after Houston’s 34-30 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, who generated 399 yards and scored touchdowns on four of their five second-half drives. Dak Prescott passed for 335 yards, while CeeDee Lamb grabbed 17 receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown. Dallas also concluded the game without a turnover.
It marked the second occasion in four weeks that the Texans’ defense had failed to meet its typical high standard. Houston also gave up 36 points in its Week 1 defeat to the Buffalo Bills.
The Texans stay highly ranked in multiple defensive categories, but their statistics reveal a clear decrease in explosive-play prevention. Their explosive play rate has dropped from 14th in 2025 to 28th this season, while net yards per attempt has fallen from fourth to 25th.
Matt Burke and the Texans’ defensive issues
Houston’s aggressive defensive strategy means it will occasionally give up big plays, but the decrease in explosive-play rate has become especially apparent. Several of those plays have also occurred at critical moments.
Josh Allen threw a game-winning 34-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Palmer with under a minute left in Week 1. In Week 3, Daniel Jones connected with Laquon Treadwell for 20 yards with less than two minutes remaining before the Texans surrendered the winning field goal.
The issue appeared again against Dallas when Prescott located George Pickens for 22 yards with under a minute remaining before the Cowboys scored the winning touchdown. Houston has now permitted 17 completions of at least 20 yards, with only the Detroit Lions allowing more.
Ryans recognized that communication involves more than just stopping big plays, observing that several of those completions were well defended. Still, the Texans have pinpointed that area as one where improvement is required.
Texans seek a spark after a 0-4 beginning
The choice has an ironic link to the previous season. In Week 4 of 2025, Ryan gave play-calling responsibilities to Burke after the Texans’ defense had battled during the opening weeks.
This time, Ryans is reversing that action and hopes assuming control himself can deliver the same kind of spark.
Houston started last season 1-3 before reaching the playoffs. Only one team, the 1992 San Diego Chargers, has previously begun a season 0-4 and still reached the postseason.
The Texans will now aim to start their own attempt to make history when they visit the Tennessee Titans in Week 5.
