Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton did not mince words about the Houston Texans and the specific area his team and staff aimed to attack. They followed through on that plan, leaving the Texans searching for solutions while awaiting further updates on C. J. Stroud’s concussion status.
The Texans entered the game with a 3-4 record and were underdogs despite playing at home. If Houston hopes to salvage its season, paying close attention to Payton’s remarks could be crucial.
### Sean Payton Delivers Critical Reality Check After Broncos Beat Texans
Offense struggled on both sides, resulting in a close 18-15 victory for the Broncos, sealed by a game-winning field goal from kicker Wil Lutz. Despite the tight score, Payton confidently stated that his team “controlled” the trenches defensively.
Houston has faced numerous questions regarding their offensive line, which underwent significant changes during the offseason. On Sunday, the Broncos only outgained the Texans by three yards, yet Payton praised his squad’s efforts.
“I thought we controlled the line of scrimmage, really,” Payton told reporters on November 2. “If you want to know one thing, we controlled the line of scrimmage. We felt like there was a big advantage for us in this game: our front versus their offensive line.”
Payton did concede that the Texans generally began their drives closer to midfield than the Broncos, but his overall message remained strong, especially considering Stroud’s concussion.
### Injuries Complicate Texans’ Offensive Line Troubles
Adding to Houston’s challenges, two starting offensive linemen also left the game with injuries. Right guard Ed Ingram exited early due to a shin injury, while right tackle Tytus Howard was sidelined with a concussion and ruled out during the game.
The Texans have rotated Ingram with Juice Scruggs and replaced Howard with the experienced Blake Fisher, but the injuries certainly impacted their performance.
### DeMeco Ryans Laments Texans’ Shortcomings vs. Broncos
Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans did not hold back in expressing disappointment over his team’s “willpower” in the face of a strong Broncos unit that improved to 7-2 with the win. The Texans now sit at 3-5, grappling with many questions about their future.
Ryans stated bluntly that his team’s effort “wasn’t good enough,” despite battling injuries.
“We were in the red zone multiple times as an offense, there at the 1-yard line. Had multiple opportunities to get it in. That’s just about sheer willpower to me. It’s at the 1-yard line. We got to find a way to displace guys at the line of scrimmage and punch the football in, right? And that’s what it takes in that situation. We didn’t get it done,” Ryans said.
“Multiple other opportunities in the red zone. We came up short, right? We made it in the red zone three times. Like to see us convert and get in the end zone versus a really good Denver team.”
He credited the Broncos’ defense for their strong performance, noting, “They did an outstanding job defensively. They did a good job of getting stops when they needed to get stops.”
Ryans concluded, “We didn’t play well in the red zone. We didn’t play well on third down. So, if you don’t win in those situational, critical moments of the game, it’s going to be hard to win it.”
As the Texans regroup, addressing these issues—particularly in the trenches and red zone—will be vital if they hope to turn their season around.
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