One of the NFL's worst kept secrets through almost nine NFL weeks is how much the Houston Texans' defense has suffered a cataclysmic drop in their production from the 2025 season. After finishing last year as the best-overall total defense (277.2 YPG) and second-best scoring defense (17.4 PPG), they now look up at 18 better units in front of them as they sit at 19th-overall (342.0 YPG) and sporting a 2-5 record as a result.
Answers for the precipitous fall have been scarce, as both defensive coordinator Matt Burke (0-4) and head coach DeMeco Ryans (2-1) have each taken their respective turns with steering the ship of the defensive game planning to no avail.