Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has gained a deep respect for the Detroit Lions, both from past matchups and their latest joint practice.
Ryans faced the Lions last season in a game that left a lasting impression. Detroit trailed by double digits at halftime and again in the fourth quarter, but clawed their way back and sealed the win with a 52-yard field goal as time expired. Even in defeat, Ryans walked away impressed by the grit and resilience of Dan Campbell’s team.
That resilience was part of the reason the Texans traveled to Detroit early ahead of their preseason finale at Ford Field. Ryans wanted his players to get meaningful practice reps against one of the NFC’s toughest squads.
“Dan had his group ready to work. Everything was organized, competitive, and professional,” Ryans said following Thursday’s session. “We were able to get quality reps across offense, defense, and special teams. That’s exactly what joint practices are about.”
The Lions gave Houston’s defense plenty to adjust to. Ryans noted their speed and explosiveness on offense, led by running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Jameson Williams—both fellow Alabama alumni like Ryans. On the defensive side, he praised edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who is back in action after a major leg injury. Ryans highlighted Hutchinson’s ability to pressure tackles and bring energy off the edge.
Overall, the Texans’ coach believed his team benefited from the back-and-forth nature of the practice, calling it “a great learning opportunity.”
Looking ahead, Ryans sees Detroit as a legitimate contender once again. After winning the NFC North in back-to-back years, Campbell’s Lions have built a reputation for being tough, disciplined, and fundamentally sound.
“They’re a competitive group. Offensively they’re explosive, defensively they make you fight for every yard,” Ryans said. “What stood out most was how well they communicated. That’s a sign of a team that’s not only talented but also well-coached. When you combine fundamentals with that kind of effort, you’re going to win football games.”
Although starters won’t play much in Saturday’s exhibition, Ryans’ takeaway from this week was clear: the Lions are every bit as formidable as their recent success suggests.
