How Texans’ DeMeco Ryans Explained Controversial Late-Game Decisions

The Houston Texans didn’t seem to show enough urgency as their season slipped away in Sunday’s AFC Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots.

Houston punted twice in the fourth quarter while trailing 28-16, which held up as the final score at Gillette Stadium. DeMeco Ryans drew criticism for his conservative approach, especially after the Texans gave the ball back to the Patriots with less than five minutes remaining in regulation.

After the game, a reporter asked Ryans about punting on 4th-and-6 at Houston’s own 27 early in the fourth quarter. The head coach justified his choice, per New England’s transcript.

“At the end of the day, I make decisions there in the game for us to get the ball back, get the ball to our defense and see if we can make a play,” Ryans said.

That first punt was an understandable call, as C.J. Stroud had already thrown four interceptions. Meanwhile, his top-ranked defense forced three turnovers and two more Drake Maye fumbles that the Patriots recovered.

Had the Texans failed to convert that fourth down, a highly feasible outcome since they averaged just 3.3 yards per play on Sunday, the Patriots would have immediately received the ball in scoring position with a chance to ice the game. But while the Patriots didn’t add points on their next drive, they instead burned 6:09 minutes off the clock.

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Ryans was backed into a corner when facing two bad choices later in the fourth quarter. Rather than attempting a 4th-and-18 with his team in desperation mode, he effectively raised the white flag by punting.

The Texans didn’t get the ball back until after the two-minute warning. Not enough time remained to mount a comeback, but they quickly turned the ball over on downs anyway.

Attempting those fourth downs likely would not have made a difference, but at least the Texans would have gone down swinging. They’ll watch the Patriots play the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game this Sunday.