Have Opposing Teams Figured Out the Houston Texans Defense?

The Houston Texans entered the 2026 season with a defense that looked downright scary on paper.

With DeMeco Ryans calling the shots and a defensive front led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, Houston appeared capable of making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. This was supposed to be the unit that could keep the Texans competitive even when the offense struggled.

Seven games into the season, however, I think we have to ask an uncomfortable question:

Have opposing teams figured out the Texans defense?

Houston sits at 2-5, and while the defense certainly isn't the only reason for that record, it hasn't consistently looked like the dominant unit many expected. Through seven games, opponents have accumulated 2,394 yards compared with Houston's 2,367. Opposing offenses have also converted 36 of 89 third-down attempts.

Those aren't disaster numbers. But they aren't exactly dominant numbers, either.

What concerns me isn't necessarily the total yardage. It's how teams are attacking Houston.

Against the Giants, Houston failed to force a turnover and managed only four punts on 11 New York possessions. J.J. McCarthy attacked outside the numbers and completed eight of 13 passes there for 169 yards. Malik Nabers finished with seven receptions for 111 yards, while Houston's defense recorded only one pass defended.

That's where the question about Houston being "figured out" becomes legitimate.

Offensive coordinators study tendencies. They aren't simply looking at which players are talented. They're looking at how Ryans responds to formations, where pressure is coming from, what Houston does on third-and-long and which matchups can be exploited.

Once enough film gets out there, tendencies become opportunities. And teams seem increasingly willing to challenge Houston's secondary because they may have recognized some "holes" of opportunity.

Before we bury this defense, however, there's another side to this conversation. Houston can still get after the quarterback.

The Texans have recorded 21 sacks through seven games, with Anderson leading the team with 7.5 and Hunter adding four.

That front remains the heartbeat of this defense.

When Anderson and Hunter are creating chaos, Houston looks completely different. Quarterbacks have less time, receivers have less time to uncover, and the secondary doesn't have to hold coverage nearly as long.

We've seen what happens when that formula works.

Against San Francisco, Houston generated 22 quarterback pressures, including eight from Anderson, while holding Christian McCaffrey to 25 rushing yards on eight carries, which is the Texans defense we expected.

So maybe "figured out" isn't quite the right description. Maybe opposing teams have simply figured out what Houston doesn't do well. There's a difference.

Then there's the simplest issue of all, which is the tackling. Ryans has already emphasized tackling this season, particularly when discussing plays over the middle.

Schemes can be adjusted. Coverages can change. Blitz packages can become more creative. But somebody still has to bring the ball carrier down.

Against the Giants, Houston's tackling problems became especially noticeable late in the game. When a defense is already struggling to get off the field, missed tackles turn manageable gains into drive-extending plays.

That's not opponents figuring out your scheme, but rather that's execution.

So, have opposing teams figured out the Texans defense? Not completely. But I think they've found some cracks in the armor.

Teams understand that Houston's defensive front can wreck a game, so they're trying to neutralize it with quicker decisions, favorable coverage matchups and attacks on the secondary. If Houston doesn't consistently tackle or generate turnovers, those strategies become even more effective.

The good news is that Houston still has the personnel to fix this. Anderson is still a problem. Hunter is still dangerous. Ryans didn't suddenly forget how to coach defense.

But reputation doesn't win football games. The Texans have to evolve.

The second half of this season needs to become a chess match for Ryans. Opposing offensive coordinators have made their adjustments.

Now it's Houston's turn.

Because if the Texans don't change the questions they're asking offenses, they're going to keep getting the same answers.