HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans open their 2023 NFL training camp Wednesday at Houston Methodist Training Center. Here’s a closer look at a few storylines:
Can coach DeMeco Ryans turn around the defense?
Last season, the Texans ranked 30th in total defense (379.5 yards per game), 27th in scoring defense (24.7 points) and allowed the sixth-most rushing yards in NFL history (2,894) under former coach Lovie Smith. Ryans comes to Houston from the San Francisco 49ers, where as coordinator his defensive unit ranked first in scoring defense (16.8) and tied for the second-most takeaways (30).
It's unfair to expect him to get the Texans to the 49ers' level in Year 1, but he'll need to use his defensive prowess to transform the Texans' unit in hopes of winning games for a franchise that only has 11 wins in the past three seasons.
What will make training camp a success? It will be a success if quarterback C.J. Stroud looks ready
Last training camp, the Texans hoped Davis Mills could develop into a franchise quarterback after finishing with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his rookie season. But Mills finished tied with a league-high 15 interceptions as the Texans finished 3-13-1. His struggles led to Houston drafting Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick in April.
The Texans rotated Mills and Stroud throughout spring practices with the first-team offense, but it will likely be Stroud in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. If Stroud has command of the offense and displays his strongest trait from college (accuracy) in preseason games and joint practices, then the Texans will be comfortable with Stroud's development.
What is the most impactful offseason addition? Sheldon Rankins, DT
The Texans beefed up the defensive line by Rankins from the New York Jets to help a struggling defense. The Texans run the same scheme as the Jets, who are coach Robert Saleh -- the defensive coordinator for the 49ers before Ryans. When Rankins was playing last season, the unit allowed 3.82 yards per rush compared to 4.13 without him.
The Texans are hopeful Rankins can impact the defensive line's interior play, making life easier for No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson Jr. as he transitions to the NFL from Alabama. A unit led by Maliek Collins, Rankins, Anderson and Jerry Hughes, who had nine sacks last season, could reverse the fortunes of last season against the run.
Who has the most fantasy potential? The easy answer: Dameon Pierce, RB
In 13 games, Pierce finished with 1,104 yards (37th overall in the NFL) and was seventh in the NFL in rushing yards (939) before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys. Pierce thrived amid a struggling offense that averaged 17 points per game, tied for 30th, and still produced.
First-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's scheme -- which has a history of elevating running back production -- should increase Pierce's output on the ground. Also, throughout the spring, the Texans utilized him more in the passing game.