DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans are not taking their matchup against the New England Patriots and quarterback Drake Maye lightly.
Maye was the No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 draft, and he endured struggles and a head coaching change as a rookie. This season, under the guidance of head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Maye is an MVP candidate.
Ryans knows his dual-threat skill set presents a challenge that the Texans must be aware of.
DeMeco Ryans Gets Honest About Drake Maye Before Texans Visit Patriots
Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots looks on against the New York Giants.
Ryans and the Texans defeated Maye and the Patriots during the 2024 regular season, but his talent was evident then, and he is playing so much better now.
Ryans said the Texans “have to” be alert to Maye’s scrambling ability as much as his arm.
“He’s doing a really good job of just not making bad decisions with a football, and he’s doing a really good job of utilizing where his playmakers are open, and he’s getting those guys the football. I think Josh is calling it really well for him to give him easy plays and make good decisions,” Ryans told reporters on January 14.
“Where he’s taking that next step is his ability to escape that pocket. I think … doesn’t get talked about much. But his athletic ability, his ability to escape the pocket, has been really clutch for them, and he’s made some big runs to really hurt a lot of defenses.
Maye threw for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions on 72% completion during the regular season.
He had a 268-1-1 line on 58.6% completion against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card.
DeMeco Ryans: Drake Maye a ‘Good Young Player’
GettyDrake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots reacts after facing the Atlanta Falcons.
The Texans have not advanced beyond the Division round of the postseason in their tenure as a franchise. The Patriots defeated them in this round in 2012. They have lost three straight Divisional Playoff games, ending their season in that round in four of their last five tries.
They must get through Maye and the Patriots after going 6-3 on the road during the regular season.
Their record then does not make their latest obstacle any easier to overcome.
“Good young player,” Ryans said of Maye, the latest challenge his No. 1 overall-ranked defense must overcome. “Has a really bright future. Can throw the ball at all three levels of the field very well, and they do a good job around him.”
The Texans ranked seventh in sacks during the regular season. But Ryans noted the Patriots’ run game as a strength, which ranked sixth in the NFL during the regular season.
The Texans’ run defense ranked fourth.
It has allowed fewer than 80 yards in four of their last five outings. That includes the Wild Card win over the Steelers. That could put the ball in Maye’s hands more than the Patriots would prefer. He finished 12th in attempts during the regular season.
DeMeco Ryans Notes Mike Vrabel’s Impact
GettyNew England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel reacts against the New York Giants.
Ryans and Texans QB C.J. Stroud have changed the culture for Houston, much in the way that Maye and Vrabel have. Ryans is familiar with the Patriots HC from their playing career and the latter’s tenure as the Tennessee Titans’ head coach.
“Vrabel’s done a great job of leading this team, and did a great job of leading the Titans when he was there. Really smart coach. His team is always well-prepared. They always play physical. So, it’s a tough challenge. He’s done a good job there. Having his team in a position that they’re in right now based on where they were last year,” Ryans said.
“His leadership, it’s really taken effect over that building, that entire team, and they play that way. So, he’s done an outstanding job right there. I have a ton of respect for Vrabel.”
Despite that respect, Ryans and the Texans are looking to secure a victory on Sunday.
Texans Get Direct Warning About Patriots QB Drake Maye