In a season filled with ups and downs, the Houston Texans concluded their 2023 campaign with a bitter defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round. However, amidst the disappointment, there were plenty of reasons to celebrate. Under the leadership of head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans clinched the AFC South title, won a playoff game, and witnessed the emergence of talented rookies. As Ryans addressed reporters in his post-2023 press conference, he delved into the team's future, highlighting the top takeaways for the upcoming season.

When asked about his standout moment of the season, Ryans pointed to the Texans' thrilling Week 9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Houston secured a 39-37 win with a 15-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud to receiver Tank Dell, scored with just six seconds remaining. Ryans expressed his admiration for the team's resilience and the clutch plays executed in that game.

However, even in the face of success, Ryans acknowledged the need for improvement in certain areas for the 2024 season. The running game, in particular, was pinpointed as the biggest area of focus. The Texans ranked 22nd in rushing yards and 23rd in rushing touchdowns, which manifested in their inability to establish the ground attack against the Ravens. Ryans emphasized the significance of an effective running game in winning matches, especially during the postseason, and highlighted it as an area for the team to address and progress in.

With the offseason looming, the Texans face the challenge of retaining key free agents. Among the 36 impending free agents, Ryans identified defensive end Jonathan Greenard as the top player he wishes to keep for the upcoming season. Greenard's outstanding performance, which included leading the team with 12.5 sacks, impressed Ryans, who believes that success starts from the defensive front. While difficult decisions lie ahead in terms of personnel, Ryans acknowledged that retaining a strong core is vital for the team's growth.

In a testament to their success, the Texans' offensive coaching staff has garnered interest from other teams. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is currently being considered for four different head coaching roles, while quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson is interviewing for two offensive coordinator positions. While losing valued assistants would be challenging, Ryans understands that this is a consequence of a productive offensive season. He mentioned the need for contingency plans and expressed confidence in his ability to navigate such challenges.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Ryans hopes to capitalize on the team's newfound reputation as contenders in the AFC. He intends to use this perception to attract prospective free agents, emphasizing the opportunity to showcase their talent within the Texans' young and promising core. Ryans believes that the success and recognition gained by the team will make Houston an appealing destination for potential acquisitions.

As the Texans reflect on their 2023 season, they acknowledge the highs and lows, with much to be proud of in their division title and playoff victory. With Ryans at the helm, the team looks forward to rectifying their shortcomings and building on the success achieved in the upcoming 2024 season.