Tag: Texans 2024

Former Texans WR Jacoby Jones breaks down the ‘little things’ of success

Former Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones knows what it takes to win and it all starts with the little things.

What made former Houston Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones get into coaching?

Money wasn’t the backing. Neither is the fame since he’s already got a Lombardi Trophy and an iconic play that will live on in league history beyond 2024.

No, for Jones, the newest head coach of the National Arena League  Beaumont Renegades,  coaching is something he’s coveted for years. Much like Texans’ coach and breakout play-caller DeMeco Ryans, it’s in his DNA.

And given the age gap between him and his players, there’s a sense of relatability between the two sides.

“They’re grown men,” Jones told Texans Wire earlier this month. “They have to hold themselves accountable and I have to hold myself accountable. We give each other respect. I’m going to let them play ball and not try to put them on a hanger.”

Ryans, one of the essential factors in helping Houston’s turnaround last season from the league’s laughing stock into a legitimate AFC contender, has time on his side. He’s less than a decade removed from playing the game and only spent one season in retirement mode before getting into coaching.

Countless players, including newly signed linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, have credited Ryans’ demeanor and reliability to his timeline in retirement. Jones, who haul in his last played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015, offers a similar sentiment.

He also believes that the on-field play is only a fraction of what defines success for a player’s persona in the league.

“It’s what you do behind closed doors when nobody’s watching you. What are you doing? When are you in here watching the film? Stuff like that,” said Jones. “The little things will take you far and beyond the norm. That’s what most people don’t understand. It’s the little things.

Little things aren’t necessarily waking up at 5 a.m. for workouts or spending a few extra hours in the gym. It’s stepping up to contribute on special teams. It’s finding a role in the huddle as a niche player.

Jones, a former third-round pick out of Lane College, wasn’t just a No. 3 receiver in Gary Kubiak’s offense. He returned punts, averaging nearly 10 yards a return.

He served as Houston’s kickoff lead en route to the franchise’s first postseason win over Cincinnati in 2011. Two years later, he made Super Bowl history with a 108-yard touchdown for the longest play in league history.

Joe Flacco won the MVP, but fans still talk about No. 12 running down the sideline to extend the Ravens’ lead by 22 points. It was the little things that stood out to John Harbaugh.

It’s the little things that matter to Ryans when building a roster.

It’s the little things that matter to Jones as a coach, and the small details are a reason why he can envision a title returning to NRG Stadium within five years.

“Right now? I can see them making the AFC Championship,” Jones said of the upcoming season. “Kansas City, they’ve had it already. I feel like it’s going to be the Ravens and the Texans fighting for the AFC Championship.”

Texans pleased with LB Christian Harris’ growth heading into Year 3

Much like Fred Warner with the San Francisco 49ers, Christian Harris looks to make a massive jump in Year 3 with the Houston Texans.

Fred Warner didn’t become an All-Pro linebacker overnight with the San Francisco 49ers. Two years into his budding career, the former third-round pick was still adjusting to life in the NFL.

Then came Year 3 and the first of three All-Pro nods. Everything clicked for Warner as he transformed from a rising talent into one of the league’s top defensive players.

But what does Warner’s success have to do with Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris? Besides the fact that both saw extensive growth in Year 2, the duo has been molded by former Pro Bowler DeMeco Ryans.
Much like Warner’s progress, Ryans can see a similar upside to Harris’ maturation heading into Year 3.

“For Christian, it was just all about just confidence,” Ryans said earlier this month. “Just believe that you can make those plays. I think that — and for me as a coach it’s one thing, just continue to exude and push that confidence upon him because he’s a great player.”

Harris, a third-round pick out of Alabama, proved that in the right system, good things would happen. With Ryans’ man-heavy formation, he was asked to play in space opposite Blake Cashman up the middle.

That benefitted both parties. Cashman, who signed a long-term deal this offseason with the Vikings, was exceptional near the line of scrimmage, notching a team-high 104 tackles. Harris, who did a bit of everything, was close behind with 102 stops and two sacks.

Where Harris truly stepped up was in coverage, especially in the postseason. Against the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Wild Card Round, he intercepted a pass intended for Harrison Bryant and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown.

“He’s talented. He has all the athletic ability,” Ryans said. “Now it’s just him continuing to believe that. Once he crossed that threshold of believing, that’s when you see him take off.”

The hope is Houston will see more of the same in 2024. Harris should continue shining in space while newcomer Azeez Al-Shaair takes over for Cashman at middle linebacker. Together, the two should tally over 200 tackles and play off another in coverage.

Ryans sees a new spark in Harris. As the confidence grows, so does his success, a similar path to Warner’s rise.

“It’s all about your instincts, right? If you have the instincts and you see it and trust it and go with it and you play fast, you make plays,” Ryans said.  “Christian never had a problem with seeing.

“They’re not thinking. They are on autopilot. They’re just rolling. They know the techniques and how to do it. Now, they let their bodies take over and make plays.”

Texans LB Christian Harris channels inner Nick Saban to avoid 2024 hype

Christian Harris spent three seasons under Nick Saban at Alabama, so he knows a thing or two about “rat poison” hype.

The Houston Texans have gone from being the prey to the poachers. They’re ready to feast after a breakout season in 2023. 

Houston enters July with the seventh-best odds to win the Super Bowl after going 10-7 under Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. The Texans swung big in free agency to better their chances, landing Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. 

They also traded for proven commodities in Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs from Buffalo and running back Joe Mixon from Cincinnati. 

Yes, the stage is set for a dominant Year 2 under DeMeco Ryans, but one player is making sure to drum down the hype internally. 

“It ain’t nothing but rat poison,” linebacker Christian Harris told GoLong’s Tyler Dunne in reference to preseason projections regarding the Texans. “It’s a blessing to be in this position to have a great team that we have and we know we have a great opportunity.”

Fans of Alabama know the phrase too well after the last 17 seasons. Longtime coach Nick Saban coined the term to keep the locker room humble amid outside hype. 

What looks to be a promising season in June and July could lead to concerns come mid-October among fans, especially if Houston struggles to pick up where it left off back in January against Cleveland in the wild-card round. 

Harris, who enters Year 3 with the franchise, remembers when Alabama dropped a game against Texas A&M in 2021, leading to speculation that perhaps the dynasty was over. The Crimson Tide would go on to win the SEC and punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff. 

“Another part of that is knowing we have to put the work in. So listening to everybody’s predictions on the outside? We got to put the work in.”

Harris isn’t the first former Alabama player to reference rat poison at NRG Stadium. Ryans, who played for the Tide before Saban arrived in 2007, mentioned it following Houston’s 20-13 win over New Orleans in mid-October. 

Staying the course helped Houston win seven of its final 11 games and clinch a postseason berth. Avoiding the “rat poison” secured a win over the No. 1 defense at home in the postseason and another accolade in Stroud’s rise to fame. 

The Texans have the hype and the roster to advance deep into the postseason, but the internal sights must be set on training camp first.

Harris, one of several Alabama players on Houston’s roster, might be setting the tone in practice come next month. 

Texans QB C.J. Stroud fires back at Colts LB duo among trash talk

C.J. Stroud made sure to address the comments made by Zaire Franklin and EJ Speed during the offseason after winning the division title.

C.J. Stroud is more than willing to dish it right back at anyone who throws the first insult. He’s certainly not afraid to put his thoughts out in the open. 

Stroud, the Houston Texans’ franchise quarterback and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, raised the tension for Week 1’s showdown against the Indianapolis Colts by calling out linebackers Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed. And yes, he’s heard everything up to this point that’s been said by the two on him and the franchise. 

Speed and Franklin, the hosts of ‘The Trenches Podcast,’ have been known to call out Stroud and the Texans over the last several months. Both sides have been brutal on social media since Houston bested the Indianapolis Colts for the division title in Week 18. 

Stroud, who’s been listening from afar during his trips around Asia, called out Speed for his comments on how he would “mess him up” for the rest of his career. Instead of calling him out for his remarks, Stroud fired a shot right back. 

“He talks about me all the time and I know he’s going to see this, so I ain’t tripping,” Stroud said. 

That was only the beginning of the rant. Stroud later called out both linebackers for saying they were going on shows and talking trash but still couldn’t find a way to win head-to-head. 

“Where I’m from, we say, ‘Why didn’t you do something when you were mad?’ You were mad right there: Do something,” said Stroud. “You could have made hella plays, bro. You could have made plays, dog. You could have shut me up right there, but you didn’t. So what makes you think you’re gonna do it now? And if you do, I’m gonna come back, bro.”

If that wasn’t enough to get blood boiling, Stroud mentioned the rivalry and how crazy Week 1 back at Lucas Oil Stadium will be come September 8. 

“We play them at their place,” Stroud. “It’s going to be rocking. Indy hates me already and I love it.”

Franklin remained on the hot seat as Stroud addressed the comments made during Super Bowl week in Las Vegas. The Colts star went on a podcast and called out Stroud from losing in what many consider to be his coming out game. 

Stroud said people took the quote out of proportion and ran with it. 

“I don’t think he was (exaggerating), I might have said something that rubbed him the wrong way, but you know y’all Philly (guys) are a little sensitive,” Stroud said. “When we play, it is what it is.”

It’s clearly a friendly rivalry between two competitors. Stroud said he was proud of Franklin earning his recent extension with the Colts. 

Still, it’s a rivalry. 

“He’s a good player, but man, he knows … and that’s what I like: two dogs ready to rumble,” Stroud said. 

Texans excited for Danielle Hunter to flourish in DeMeco Ryans’ defense

Now at practice, the Houston Texans expect big things from Danielle Hunter in 2024 coming off the edge.

Two is better than one, especially when adding pressure to a quarterback off the edge. Houston Texans‘ gunslinger C.J. Stroud knows what it feels like to have the pocket collapse and end a play.

He’s also lucky to only face Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter in practice and not during the regular season.

Hunter, the prized addition to the Texans’ defensive line, gave a taste of what Texans fans should expect coming off the edge during drills at Thursday’s voluntary OTAs. During an 11-on-11 drill, Stroud could find a target downfield for a first down.

Instead, he found Hunter inches away from placing him on his back.

“Danielle obviously has a history of success rushing the passer,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. “We think that, hopefully, playing in this front and stylistically can even enhance that. Partnering him with Will (Anderson Jr.) and the other guys we have rushing, we’re excited to see how that comes to fruition.”

Signed to a two-year, $49 million deal this offseason, that play is what Houston is hoping to get on the regular from the Houston native who wanted to return home. The only difference is that Blake Fisher, the second-round pick out of Notre Dame, won’t be Hunter’s target.

All-Pro Ronnie Stanley from Baltimore will.

So will veteran Taylor Decker and Pro Bowler Penei Sewell from Detriot.

Oh, and don’t forget about standout Dion Dawkins from Buffalo. He arrives at NRG Stadium for the Stefon Diggs revenge match in Week 5.

Hunter should live up to the billing back home. He’s coming off a career-high and lead-leaguing 23.5 tackles for loss. He also finished top-five nationally in sacks (16.5) and totaled 84 tackles.

Hunter alone would create chaos, but having Anderson, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, only doubles the concern.

“If they’re focusing attention on Hunter or Will or whoever, it sort of unlocks some other things that we can do or how we manipulate some of those (pass) protections,” Burke said. “I think just having (Hunter’s) presence and his history of what he’s done in the league, teams are going to have to account for where he is and how we’re using him.”

Hunter, who currently ranks sixth among active pass-rushers in sacks (87.5), could hit triple-digits if he emulates similar numbers from his time in Minneapolis. Anderson, who broke J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record, is looking to hit the double-digit marker for the first time in his young career.

Adding Hunter should open the pass rush for Anderson. Most teams with two high-upside pass rushers see one used as the decoy for the other attacks. That doesn’t mean both defenders can’t hit 10-plus sacks or tackles for loss.

Anderson, who finished third in pressure rate among all pass-rushers in 2023, should see those numbers double with another year in the system. With Hunter in the fold, Burke isn’t expecting breakout numbers, but he is expecting better production.

“There was times last year Will was just throwing fastballs and being Will, but I think his understanding the defense and protections and things like that are growing as I have conversations with him. Excited to see where he takes that, for sure.”

Newcomers Danielle Hunter & Stefon Diggs head to Texans OTAs

Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter joined the party on Thursday at voluntary OTAs with the Houston Texans, thus making the roster feel more complete.

A fresh pair of newcomers joined the Houston Texans Thursday afternoon at voluntary OTAs, thus marking their debuts in a new uniform.

Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter and wide receiver Stefon Diggs were spotted during workouts Thursday at the Methodist Center practice facility next to NRG Stadium. Both players, along with Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil and offensive linemen Shaq Mason and Tytus Howard, did not partake in drills last week.

Mason, the only Texans’ offensive lineman to start every game in 2023, also returned to practice. Howard and Tunsil both were absent, though that was expected given their status on the roster.

Diggs, whom the Texans traded for this offseason in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, looked crisp running routes opposite recently extended Nico Collins and breakout rookie Tank Dell. The Texans voided the final three years of his extension, meaning he’ll be playing for a new contract in 2025.

Could the Texans re-sign him? That remains the interest million-dollar question entering June. When healthy, Diggs has been one of the league’s top targets, hauling in an NFL-leading 445 catches over his four seasons with Buffalo. With Collins’ recent three-year, $72.5 million extension, logistics will be a vital factor in coming to terms with the four-time Pro Bowler.

Hunter, a Houston native, won’t have to worry about playing for a new deal after agreeing to terms on a two-year, $51 million contract this offseason. The Texans expect him to only build off his record-setting season in Minnesota back in front of the home crowd as Jonathan Greenard’s replacement opposite Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr.

Few edge rushers were as dominant as Hunter in 2023 in both passing-rushing sets and defending the run. Hunter, 29, led the league in tackles for loss (23.5) while finishing top five in sacks (16.5) amid a lost season in Minneapolis following the season-ending injury to Kirk Cousins.

Houston remains a favorite to win the AFC South after adding in linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, defensive lineman Denico Autry and Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon.

C.J. Stroud, who won the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, will be a year older and wiser, thus making him a threat to compete alongside Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Joe Mixon for the league MVP.

Texans agree to terms with second-round pick Blake Fisher

The Houston Texans have signed every member of their rookie class with the addition fo Blake Fisher.

Everyone in the Houston Texans’ draft class is now officially under contract.

The Texans and second-round pick Blake Fisher agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth roughly $6.6 million, according to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson. Fisher will also receive a $1.616 million signing bonus.

The Notre Dame offensive tackle was the last player to sign of the Texans’ eight rookies drafted last month.

Drafted 59th overall, Fisher was selected to provide quality depth and potential insurance behind Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and former first-round pick Tytus Howard. While likely to start the season as a backup, Fisher’s experience playing for the Irish likely makes him part of the long-term plans in Houston on either side of the line past 2024.

“Just coming in and gaining the respect, the trust and the dependability of my teammates,” Fisher said. “From there, just learning from Tytus and Laremy and the other guys within guard and center. Then, obviously also of my coaches. Laremy, everyone knows him. He is a specialist when it comes to pass protection. He is dominant. He is long. He is physical and same goes for Tytus.

“They are two really good guys that I can come in and learn from and obviously get better from because they’ve been doing it for quite some time.”

A three-year starter at Notre Dame, Fisher made history as the first true freshman to start at left tackle for the Irish during the 2021 season. He later shifted to the right side of the line after a dominant freshman campaign from first-round pick Joe Alt.

“We feel good about Blake and adding him to our team,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He did a good job there at Notre Dame, and we feel like he can add to what we’re doing here, add to the competition of our offensive line room. We’ll continue to see him progress and move forward.”

In three seasons with the Irish, Fisher started 27 total games, missing multiple games in 2021 due to a knee injury. The 6-foot-6 lineman is at his best in run blocking, helping Audric Estime rush for over 1,000 yards during the 2023 season.

“I’m a smart physical player with a high IQ,” Fisher said. “See a lot of different things on the field which in essence helps the guys next to me.”

The Texans will begin mandatory team minicamp later next month.

Texans WR Nico Collins agrees to 3-year, $72.75M extension

Nico Collins broke out last season for the Houston Texans and now is being rewarded with a massive extension before the start of mandatory camp.

The Houston Texans have locked up Nico Collins for the long haul.

Collins, Houston’s breakout wide receiver from the 2023 AFC South-winning season, agreed to terms on a three-year, $72.75 million extension that includes $52 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.

The contract has a maximum value of $75 million should Collins meet the incentives before the deal expires in 2027. The former third-round pick when entering the final year of rookie contract and was expected to remain in Huston for the long haul.

The star acquisition of Nick Caserio’s first draft with the Texans in 2021, Collins proved his value as a No. 1 receiver last season en route to helping C.J. Stroud win Offensive Rookie of the Year. In 15 games, Collins hauled in 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns.

Earlier this offseason, Caserio said the two sides were expected to begin negotiations for a long-term deal, though those discussions would come after free agency and the NFL draft.

“That’s coming. That could be a player that maybe he’s a part of the future. You’re dealing with the present,” Caserio said during the NFL Scouting Combine in March. “You’re focused on the short-term, but part of our responsibility is to kind of think ahead a little bit and just try to make good sound decisions for the team and the organization.”

Collins, who in three seasons has caught 150 passes for 2,224 yards and 11 touchdowns, told KPC2 Sports earlier this month he’d love to remain in Houston past 2024 and remain a vital asset to what looks to be a promising future at NRG Stadium.

“That’s everybody’s dream. To hear that from Nick, man, it means a lot,” Collins said. “For me, I just got to continue to keep my head down. Continue to work on my game, continue to improve every day and continue to chase my end goal.”

Even though a long-term deal was expected between the two sides, other extensions factored into negotiations for the Michigan product. Collins was one of several pass-catchers to receive an extension, joining other breakout stars like Philadelphia’s Devonta Smith, Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown and Indianapolis’ Michael Pittman Jr.

Eagles’ top target A.J. Brown (three-year, $96 million) and Buccaneers’ long-term No. 1 receiver Mike Evans (two-year, $52 million) also received deals, though neither player was expected to leave their respective teams unless it was by trade.

While Houston must strike a long-term deal with four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs, its offense looks poised to remain one of the league’s best past 2024. Collins will remain the top target for Stroud in an offense featuring Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, tight end Dalton Schultz, and breakout rookie receiver Tank Dell.

Mixon, whom the Texans traded for earlier this offseason, and Schultz, each agreed to three-year extensions earlier this offseason. Both will be under contract through at least 2026, the same year Stroud will be eligible for what’s expected to be a mega-extension.

New Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair always knew Houston was home

Even before Azeez Al-Shaair signed on the dotted line, he knew he’d be joining the Houston Texans because of the budding relationships.

Following Week 15’s win over the Tennessee Titans, Jalen Pitre maneuvered through a flock of players to find linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The former San Francisco 49ers star had been on a tear during a 19-16 overtime loss, totaling 13 tackles, including two of a loss a third down.

Pitre, a standout defensive back for the Houston Texans, felt like he knew Al-Shaair based on film study. First-year head coach DeMeco Ryans needed to get his roster up to speed with his “Swarm” defense, so much of the film was devised during his time with the 49ers.

That was the first of several signs that Al-Shaair was destined to find his way to Houston for a reunion with Ryans sometime in his career. By the offseason, it was a no-brainer where he was headed.

“I’m glad he’s on our team,” Pitre said Tuesday following practice. “He’s a guy who knows the system very well and is going to help us a lot.”

Signed to a three-year, $34 million deal, Al-Shaair should be the anchor up the middle for the reigning AFC South champions entering a new era of Texans football. He already knows what Ryans is looking for up the middle, so the transition from a 3-4 front to a 4-3 unit should be seamless.

Despite a breakout season from Blake Cashman, the middle linebacker role was a weak point in Ryans’ top 10 unit last season. Denzel Perryman, who signed a one-year deal, was hit-and-miss in coverage and missed three games due to suspension. Rookie Henry To’oTo’o was better used as a rotational option in space instead of a full-time starter.

With Al-Shaair, the Texans are getting a blend of both players. Last season, the former undrafted free agent was exceptional in run defense and also took a step forward in coverage with four pass breakups.

“The sky is the limit for myself,” Al-Shaair said. “I have high expectations for myself, and DeMeco coming in, he was hard on me. And I’m grateful for it, because there’s nobody that can outdo the standard I have for myself.”

Those expectations factored into Al-Shaair’s decision to pass up playing with Ryans last season. The two sides had talked in the offseason, but the NFL is a business and at the time, Al-Shaair was a sub-package linebacker, splitting reps behind All-Pro Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw.

To elevate any potential future long-term deals, Al-Shaair bet on himself, signing a one-year $5 million deal with the Titans, allowing him to become a full-time starter.

Not only did Al-Shaair earn the green dot in the helmet as the quarterback of the defense, but he also totaled a career-high 163 tackles, fifth-most in the NFL.

While the stats weren’t evident out in the Bay, Ryans credited Al-Shaair’s leadership and attentiveness, something he first recognized when they met at the combine in 2019.

“He allows the other guys around him to be calm and to play faster because of what he brings to the table when it comes to communicating,” Ryans said. “Not only that, communicating, but he can also go make the plays, and that is what you have to have at that linebacker position, and that is what he can do.”

Even before talking with former teammate Jimmie Ward or Ryans, Al-Shaair knew Houston was on his radar. Pitre, who since has become a close friend of the former Florida Atlantic star, only enhanced the feeling of home during their two meetings last season.

Al-Shaair said the transition to Houston has been seamless, largely due to his familiarity with Ryans’ scheme. In the locker room, however, he immediately felt like he belonged as part of the group.

A year away from Ryans might have been best for both sides. Now, it’s a strength for a budding future in Houston.

“This doesn’t feel like I’m coming into a team I’ve only known for a couple months,” Al-Shaair said. “It feels like I’ve been here. It’s a good feeling for sure.”

DeMeco Ryans reveals moment C.J. Stroud proved MVP upside

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans knew C.J. Stroud was built like an MVP after one marquee outing at home in October.

Few quarterbacks in NFL history put up seasons like Houston Texans rookie C.J. Stroud did in 2023. Even fewer match those numbers at a rookie. 

Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year and hopeful franchise quarterback, dazzled while leading the Texans back to the postseason for the first time since 2019. He broke every Houston rookie record, including completion percentage, passing yards and passer rating. 

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans knew Stroud was talented coming out of Ohio State with the No. 2 pick. When did the MVP conversation kick up? According to the second-year signal-caller, it was in the comeback win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9. 

“We were in a big-time shootout there with the Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield,” Ryans said during an interview on The Rich Eisen Show. “They scored on us late in the fourth quarter and we had under a minute to go down and score. Just to see the poise and the confidence in how he led the offense down on that last drive and for him to connect with Tank [Dell], it was the moment I won’t forget.” 

Stroud, who became the fifth passer in league history to throw for 4,000 yards as a rookie, completed 30-of-42 pass attempts for 470 yards and five touchdowns. On the team’s final drive, Stroud went 5-of-5 for 75 yards, including the 15-yard score with five seconds remaining. 

“Most rookies will get flustered in that predicament,” Ryans said. “They would try to make something up new or try to force a play. He was just so calm, so confident, trusting in the playmakers around him. He delivered big time.” 

That would be one of several major milestones in Stroud’s first season. A week later, he led the Texans to a comeback road win against the Cincinnati Bengals. In Week 18, it was his success against the Indianapolis Colts to secure the division title. 

But Week 9 will be a moment Ryans remembers forever. There was when he saw the potential of an MVP in the making and a turning point for the remainder of the year. 

“That was one of the games that was kind of our mark on our season that let us know, ‘Ok, we can win any type of game, ‘” Ryans said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a shootout, we can go win it. We can go score at will. It was a fun game to always remember.”