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CJ Stroud, DeMeco Ryans expected to establish a new culture with Texans

By Loyal Ricks Jr

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - APRIL 27: (L-R) C.J. Stroud poses NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected second overall by the Houston Texans during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station on April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - APRIL 27: (L-R) C.J. Stroud poses NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected second overall by the Houston Texans during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station on April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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There are multiple stages NFL franchises experience during a rebuild. First, front offices look for staff that echoes their sediments for the team’s future. After interviews and contract negotiations finalize, the new Head Coach begins searching for talent that compliments philosophy. It isn’t an easy road, but the Houston Texans managed to get the job done.

On Jan 31, the Texans introduced DeMeco Ryans as their new Head Coach. A few months later, the franchise exchanged the second overall pick for C.J. Stroud, arguably the No.1 prospect in the class. As we approach the regular season, do we believe Houston’s tandem can establish a new culture in Texas?

NFL: Texans hire a defensive guru to develop their rookie quarterback

DeMeco Ryans has an extensive professional resume. His 10-year stint as an inside linebacker was noteworthy and added to his respected reputation. Ryans was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2006 NFL draft. He earned AP Rookie of The Year Honors and was voted twice to the Pro Bowl.

Contributions on the gridiron are only half of Ryans’s accolades. His innovations to the 49ers defense within the last six seasons caught the eye of general managers. In 2022, San Francisco earned the third-highest defensive rating (84.8) and carried a third-string quarterback to a NFC Champion game.

Protecting the endzone helped the former defensive coordinator land his first Head Coaching gig. He’s an expert at stopping opposing quarterbacks – but what about developing his rookie?

NFL: Will CJ Stroud have a successful rookie season with the Texans?

We expect the Texans to improve on defense this season, but how will they groom their rookie quarterback? In 2022, Houston ranked 29th in passing rating (56.4). Davis Mills took most of the reps at quarterback but saw limited production. He earned poor ratings in PFF’s offensive (61.9) and passing categories (63.6) on 479 attempts. CJ Stroud expects to establish in the foreseeable future, but how will he complete the job?

Protection in the pocket will play a vital role in the new campaign. Laremy Tunsil is a bright spot on a developing offensive line and should help buy Stroud time in the pocket. He gave up one sack in 2022 and earned the highest pass protection grade on the roster (91.7) Last season, the Texans offensive line averaged a 60.9 passing grade and will need to improve so their rookie can maximize reps.

Finding open receivers will help Houston’s newest gunslinger succeed in his first year. Bobby Slowik’s receiver core is limited this season but determined to produce on the field. Dalton Schultz will become a nice safety blanket for a quarterback adjusting to a new game speed. He’s privy to finding the endzone and is a reliable target against blitzing defenses. His work with the Cowboys solidified his development as a rising game-changer, recording multiple touchdowns in three games last season.

It will take time for Houston’s new tandem to become acclimated to their setting. DeMeco Ryans and CJ Stroud are assets for a struggling franchise. Houston is projected to win 5.8 games this season, and we can expect to see growing pains throughout the season. Contributions from their leaders will go a long way in reshaping the idea of Texans football.

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