DeMeco Ryans Takes Texans Back to Basics With Tackling Drills

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans kicked off Wednesday's practice with a tackling drill that brought back memories of the rookie defensive end Will Anderson Jr.'s initial football training. The Texans, currently sitting at 2-5, returned from their bye week to focus on perfecting their tackling technique before their upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Nov.

8. Ryans initiated the session by having the defenders practice from knee level on the 35-yard line. Anderson praised the emphasis on fundamentals, stating, "Whatever it takes to get the job done." He emphasized that the game has evolved over time, and the coaching staff is reteaching these essential skills. A group of players knelt in front of their standing teammates, wrapping and squeezing them to ensure a proper tackle, bringing the runner down rather than sliding to the side.

This drill took place during Wednesday's practice, which resumed after Houston's week-long break following their 27-21 overtime loss to the New York Giants on Oct. 25. In that game, the Giants drove for a three-play, 81-yard touchdown, with running back Devin Singletary scoring on a 30-yard run. The Texans had managed to tie the game at 21 in the fourth quarter but ultimately fell to a fifth loss, dropping their record to five defeats.

Anderson, who leads the team with 7.5 sacks and has 33 combined tackles this season, participated in the drill alongside his teammates. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, safety Reed Blankenship, and cornerback Kamari Lassiter have all contributed significantly with their combined tackle totals. Going into their Sunday game against the Chargers, Houston holds a 686 rushing yards defense over their last seven games, averaging 3.8 yards per attempt.

Opponents have scored nine rushing touchdowns during this span. The Texans face the Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, with kickoff set for 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS.