DeMeco Ryans Not Concerned With Road Environment Before Patriots-Texans

DeMeco Ryans isn’t concerned about the Foxboro Faithful, it seems.

“Every place is difficult in the playoffs,” the Houston Texans head coach told reporters after Houston advanced past the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, per the team.

“This was a really cool environment (in Pittsburgh). I’m proud of our guys for focusing on what really matters — and it’s not the environment. It’s about executing and playing good football.”

Ryans might not have meant it as a slight, but it’s fair to think Patriots fans at Gillette Stadium on Sunday will take note. And perhaps do their best to make Ryans eat his words.

“No matter where you play, no matter when you play, you go out and execute play well, you can win football games,” Ryans said.

The fifth-seeded Texans certainly executed against the Steelers in their AFC Wild Card win. Houston sacked Pittsburgh QB Aaron Rodgers four times, held the Steelers to 175 yards of offense and scored two defensive touchdowns in the second half.

Ryans and company surely expect their defense to travel, and the group will represent arguably the toughest test of the season for the Patriots.