The Houston Texans have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL to start the season. Houston fell to 0-4 on the season after losing a shootout with Dallas in Week 4. That dreadful started forced head coach DeMeco Ryans to take over play-calling duties on defense. One Texans defender is thrilled about that change.

Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. explained why he is excited for Ryans to call defensive plays ahead of Week 5.

“DeMeco is going to call you out. What you need to do, the grace part, he gives grace, but will also hold people accountable,” Anderson said on Wednesday, per Texans reporter Aaron Wilson. “He's going to say, ‘You're not repping our style.' Burke has done a good job. DeMeco is going to get us going.”

Houston has been known for their ferocious defense in recent seasons. However, that unit has not played up to an elite level at any point in 2026. In fact, the Texans have regressed to having a below average defense that allows more points than almost any other team.

The Texans know that they have enough talent on that side of the ball. It is fair to assume that Ryans can turn things around by taking over as defensive play caller.

Ryans is uniquely qualified for that role. He spent 10 seasons in the NFL as a great middle linebacker before starting his coaching career. Ryans immediately proved himself in San Francisco, rising the ranks from defensive quality control coach to defensive coordinator in just a few years.

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Week 5 may also be the perfect time to make a change at defensive play caller. Houston is gearing up to face Tennessee, one of the NFL's other few winless teams. The Titans do not have a fearsome offense, setting up the Texans' defense for a get-right game.

Texans at Titans kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Oct. 11 from Nissan Stadium in Nashville.