DeMeco Ryans had a conversation with Jimmie Ward last season.
Ryans, who was the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator, was explaining to his 31-year-old safety that it would be beneficial if he could also play the nickel on passing downs.
Ryans’ definitive vision for Ward has continued as the two have landed with the Houston Texans.
“Of course, everyone knows Jimmie wants to play safety, but in talking to Jimmie last year, I always told him, when you play the nickel position and you can play the safety position, it just opens up a lot more avenues for you, and that’s what it’s done for Jimmie,” Ryans said.
Ward generated 50 combined tackles, a tackle for loss, two quarterback hits, five pass breakups, a forced fumble, and three interceptions through 12 games, five of which he started for San Francisco.
As Ryans turns the Texans around from a chronic double-digit loss team into a more competitive product, the new coach will need his most veteran defensive back to continue being willing and versatile.
“Jimmie has been very fun to work with because he’s jumped into that nickel role, and he thrived in the role, made probably more plays than he’s made playing safety,” Ryans said. “So, Jimmie can play anywhere, but I’m going to play him at safety.”
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