DeMeco Ryans Has the Edge: Why the Texans’ Coaching Style Can Take Down the Giants

When the Houston Texans and New York Giants hit the field, everybody is going to be watching C.J. Stroud and J.J. McCarthy.

But I’m watching the sidelines.

Because this game could come down to one simple question: Which coaching style is going to bring home the win?

For Houston, DeMeco Ryans wants his Texans fast, physical and aggressive. On the other side, John Harbaugh has to figure out how to put McCarthy in position to succeed without asking too much from his young quarterback.

And when I look at the matchup, I’m giving the edge to DeMeco Ryans and the Texans.

This isn't the game for Houston’s defense to sit back and wait for something to happen.

Go make it happen.

McCarthy has the athletic ability to hurt Houston if he escapes the pocket. Give him space, and suddenly a broken play turns into a first down. Give him time, and he can start finding a rhythm.

Ryans needs to make sure that rhythm never develops.

Bring pressure from different directions. Show blitz and drop back. Let Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter get after him. Most importantly, keep McCarthy in that pocket and make him win the game with his arm.

That's where Houston can take control.

A young quarterback dealing with a physical Texans defense and a Houston crowd behind it? That's exactly the type of environment Ryans should want.

We also can't pretend Harbaugh is just going to walk into Houston without a plan. The smartest thing New York can do is use McCarthy's athleticism against Houston's aggressiveness.

Quick passes. Screens. Bootlegs. Misdirection. Designed quarterback movement. Anything that forces Houston's defense to hesitate for half a second could slow down the pass rush.

Harbaugh doesn't need McCarthy trying to play superhero football. He needs him making smart decisions, protecting the football and keeping the Giants out of obvious passing situations.

If New York can establish that early, we could have ourselves a football game.

Here's where I think Houston owns the biggest advantage. That advantage is C.J. Stroud.

Harbaugh has to manage McCarthy but Ryans can trust Stroud. That's a huge difference.

Houston doesn't need to hide its quarterback or simplify the entire offense around him. Stroud can attack downfield, make adjustments and take advantage when the defense gives him opportunities.

If the Texans' defense can force a turnover or give Stroud a short field, Houston has to make New York pay.

That's complementary football. And that's how the Texans can take control of this game.

My biggest concern is Houston becoming too aggressive. McCarthy's mobility makes that dangerous. Send everybody after him, miss one tackle and suddenly he's running through open grass.

Ryans needs controlled aggression. Pressure him, but keep containment. Attack him, but don't lose your assignments. Make McCarthy earn every yard.

Houston has the talent to dominate defensively without getting reckless.

I'm rolling with DeMeco Ryans in this coaching battle.

Harbaugh will have something prepared. I fully expect New York to throw a few wrinkles at Houston early and try to use McCarthy's legs to frustrate the Texans' defense.

But Houston has the better situation.

Ryans has an aggressive defense, dangerous pass rushers and an established quarterback in Stroud who doesn't need to be protected by the game plan.

So turn up the pressure. Keep McCarthy uncomfortable. Let Stroud cook.And don't give New York cheap opportunities.

If Ryans gets his Texans playing fast, physical and disciplined football, I believe Houston controls this matchup.

Harbaugh may bring the chess pieces, but DeMeco Ryans has the pieces to call checkmate.

And hopefully, when that final whistle blows, it's another Texans win in the Reliant.