The hits continue for head coach DeMeco Ryans and his reputation of defensive mastery after the team's abysmal 2-5 start to the campaign. With his defense being the primary reason for the sharp decline in team success, Ryans' can only watch as many who observe the team begin to openly question his handling of the scheme and personnel decisions that have led to such a reality after only seven games.
Yesterday morning, New York Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor voiced his skepticism of the preparedness of Ryans' unit, as his Giants thoroughly manhandled Houston's defense in overtime on the legs of the running back tandem of Cam Skattebo and Devin Singletary. Now, former players are beginning to speak out in open concern for the schematic focus of the unit.
Steven Nelson—a nine-year veteran cornerback who spent his final two seasons with the Texans from 2022-2023—gave his thoughts on the chronic issues surrounding Ryans' defense, as well as his own experiences with trying to function from within the system.
Former Houston Texan Steven Nelson weighs in on the problems with DeMeco Ryans' defense
Appearing on an episode of Will Kunkel's Kickin' it with Kunkel, Nelson and Kunkel exchanged words on what currently ails Houston's defense:
Nelson began his thoughts on why the players should be held accountable for their fair share of the problems by saying,
"What you can put on them [the players] is the tackling and effort. Like, the play we just saw, guys missing tackles. They're like the worst team in tackling right now. That's inexcusable. That's not scheme to me."
He then shared some of his personal standards and first-hand experiences on the field in Houston with,
"I've never wanted to be the person on film where you have to correct me, like, because of my pride. I might give up a play here and there, but I'll mess around and get a turnover or something. It's third and short, I'ma get up there and press, get a three-and-out. Even going back to the Colts game [week three] when they had Kamari Lassiter, I don't know why the heck he was playing off in that situation when they [the Colts] kicked the field goal [game-winner]. I would've never did no crap like that."
Kunkel then responded by asking Nelson, "So, if you were told to be 10-off [yards], you'd be like nah?" Nelson then quipped, "Oh yeah, that's why they probably didn't like me because I always played self-preservation." Nelson then interestingly shared,
"Even though I might've made the play, you've got new coaches, DeMeco, he's like, 'Oh, don't watch Steve,' but I'm making a play."
Across multiple defensive schemes led first by former Texans head coach Lovie Smith and then Ryans, Nelson enjoyed what was arguably his most productive two-year stretch since his 2018-2019 stretch between the Kansas City Chiefs (2018) and Pittsburgh Steelers. In Houston, Nelson accumulated 115 total tackles, one sack, five interceptions and an 82-yard pick-six off of former Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco in the Texans' 45-14 AFC WIldcard victory over the Browns in the 2023 postseason.
Unfortunately, Nelson and the Texans seemingly parted ways under less-than-amiable circumstances, as he openly took his opportunties to criticize the organization and its leadership on multiple occasions after the split.
And now, Nelson is once again making his thoughts clear on the direction of the Texans' operations. Similar to some of his negative opinions of the team a couple of years ago, Nelson is yet again not pleased with what he sees (along with the rest of the city of Houston).
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