The Houston Texans' first game against the Buffalo Bills will be quite the test for their defense between MVP quarterback Josh Allenand running back James Cook, who had a solid day against the Texans in their game last season.
Allen is one of the toughest quarterbacks to game plan for come Sunday afternoons. When you keep him in the pocket, he can launch the ball downfield and now has a serious downfield threat in wide receiver DJ Moore.
However, if you let Allen get outside the pocket, he can beat you on the ground with his legs or his arm. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has figured out a game plan that has kept Allen at bay over the past three years, but it doesn't change the challenge of preparing for a battle.
“For us, the balance starts with we
can't hang our hat on past success,” Ryans said. “Past success is not going to automatically guarantee you future success. We have to go out and we have to earn it. That's one thing that Josh and his offense is going to make you do. They're going to make you earn every play that you make. That's how we like it. That's how it should be. Our guys are up for that challenge. We know we have to cover longer than you do versus other quarterbacks. You have to rush a little bit longer, just knowing it's not going to happen as quick as other teams. It's just got to take time. Some guys have to be patient. You have to make sure you're plastering in coverage, being responsible, being where you're supposed to be. When you do that, you have opportunities to make plays. Josh is a good player. He's going to make some plays, but we have to just find a way to make more than he makes.”
DeMeco Ryans on the challenge the Texans defense will face vs Josh Allen & the Bills:
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) September 10, 2026
“We have to earn it. Josh & this offense are finna make you earn every play that you make. That’s how we like it. That’s how it should be. Our guys are up for that challenge. We know we have to… pic.twitter.com/ujqIQdHscU
While Ryans does not want to hang their hat on past success, Houston’s performance against Allen and the Bills offense last season could be a helpful blueprint for how to contain him this year. Allen struggled mightily against the Texans last year. While he completed over 70 percent of his passes, he failed to throw a touchdown and had two interceptions.
The key for Houston this year, playing the Bills will be its offense. Stroud did not play in the game against Buffalo last season because he was in concussion protocol. Davis Mills actually had a decent performance in his place, but he never really pushed the ball downfield and finished the game with 153 passing yards. If starter C.J. Stroud can get the offense going and running back David Montgomery can help the Texans maintain a balanced offensive attack in addition to the defense containing Allen, Houston can come out of this game with a win.
Kickoff is scheduled for Noon at Relaint Stadium.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans DeMeco Ryans on defending Bills QB Josh Allen: 'Our guys are up for that challenge'
