In his Monday press conference, Houston Texans Head coach DeMeco Ryans covered a lot of ground ahead of a home showdown with the Denver Broncos. He also reflected on a crucial win over the San Francisco 49ers.

"The defense, first and foremost, the guys are, they're swarming to the football. They play fast, they play physical," Ryans said. "That's the first thing that allows you to play good defense. And we're getting off the field on third down. I think that's really been the key to limit drives that offenses trying to do, trying to the ball down."

The offense sustained drives and controlled the tempo, with quarterback C.J. Stroud making efficient decisions with the football. Wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson provided a spark, and several young players demonstrated their growing confidence on the field.

"Confidence just comes from right doing your job the right way executing it on the practice field doing it seeing the success from doing it the proper way doing it the way your coaches are asking you to do it," Ryans explained. "And you show up in the game and you perform that technique the exact same way and you take the coaching points that your coach is giving you and you do it in the game and you make plays. I think that's what gives guys confidence."

Defense Creates Turnovers

Cornerback Kamari Lassiter continued his impressive development, making a critical interception late in the game.

"Kamari's doing a great job of really working his technique and coverage, of being able to, you know, not find the ball but be on the receiver, find a way to look up for the football and come down with it," Ryans said. "That's a really nice play he's made here in our stadium. Two times this year he's been tried down the sideline. He went up and made the play. So really proud of just his growth and development. He's doing a great job for us."

Explosive Plays and Blocking

One of the game's highlights came on a play-action pass to RB Woody Marks, where Stroud hit him in the flat for a 50-yard gain. Ryans was particularly excited about what happened after the catch.

"To see our receivers finishing downfield, finishing their blocks," Ryans said. "That's the most exciting part of that play for me. And that's what it looks like. You have to take advantage when the defense is, they drop the backhand coverage and we made them pay. That's what football is all about, right? Making guys pay when they do make a mistake. We did that and we came up with an explosive play there to Woody."

Xavier Hutchinson and rookie Jayden Higgins were the two former Iowa State Cyclones downfield blocking for Marks on the play.

The running game proved effective, particularly on trap plays and draws that gave the 49ers defense trouble. The offensive coaching staff put together a strong game plan that allowed the team to execute.

Red Zone Efficiency

While the Texans found success moving the ball and getting into scoring position, Ryans acknowledged there's room for improvement in the red zone.

"Get in the end zone," Ryans said when asked about red zone opportunities. "We got down in the red zone a few times and we kind of stalled out a couple of negative plays. We can do a better job of just keeping our foot on the gas and being more productive. Great job of getting in the red zone. And [Ka'imi Fairbairn] did a great job of really finishing those drives with points. We want to finish those drives with seven if possible."

The red zone presents unique challenges, requiring sound execution and the ability to handle different defensive looks and coverages.

Leadership and Accountability

TE Dalton Schultz has emerged as a key leader for the offense, not just through his play but also through his communication and ability to keep teammates accountable.

"Dalton has been a really good leader for us. And he leads first just by how he's playing. You talk about playing tough, finishing, playing through a lot of different nicks and pains, like he's doing this year," Ryans said. "He's doing a really nice job. So I think it starts there. You lead by example of what you're doing. He's doing that. And when he needs to be vocal, he can be vocal and get guys on the same page, get guys moving in the right direction as well."

Ryans emphasized that every player has their own unique way of leading and keeping teammates accountable.

"Dalton is himself and that's the cool part about it. Everybody has a chance to exhibit them their own personality and their own way, their own unique way. Everybody is different in their regard and that's the cool part about the team is whatever you have to say, however you say it, however you get it done, it's perfectly fine here," Ryans said. "So Dalton has done a great job of that all year."

The Texans return to the field at home against the Broncos on Sunday, November 2.