Texans training camp preview: Can newcomers help get Houston over the hump?

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…