Texans channel Nick Saban in attempt to avoid 2024 hype

There is no shortage of hype surrounding the 2024 Houston Texans after the franchise’s stellar 2023 campaign and subsequent blockbuster offseason. But DeMeco Ryans’ team appears to be avoiding the preseason hype that befalls a small handful of franchises each season. A nod to Ryans’ alma mater helps matters.

Houston linebacker Christian Harris used a famous two-word phrase from former Alabama coach Nick Saban to explain Houston’s alleged ignorance of offseason headlines. For some, the optimism of July and August can become a trap leading to the harsh realities of September and October. Harris, borrowing from Saban, doesn’t take the bait.

“It’s nothing but rat poison,” Harris told NFL reporter Tyler Dunne, referring to preseason projections for the Texans. “It’s a blessing to be in this position to have a great team that we have and we know we have a great team.” opportunity.

“But another part of it is knowing that we have to do the work. So listening to everyone’s predictions on the outside? We have to do the work.”

Harris isn’t the first member of the Texans to use the “rat poison” analogy. Ryans himself stole the motivational technique from Saban in October 2023 after a victory against the New Orleans Saints.

“Don’t buy into rat poison,” Ryans told media in Houston. “You don’t need to get caught up in it. (…) (The) standings will take care of themselves if you handle business each week the right way. “(We have to) keep working hard throughout the period. process.”

Ryans’ team wasn’t derailed by media attention last season en route to the AFC South title and a victory over the Cleveland Browns in the AFC wild card round. Expectations will weigh much heavier this season, especially in the early months compared to 2023. Stroud is a reigning Rookie of the Year who is on the offseason media tour of his life. Star receiver Stefon Diggs is in tow, and Ryans is considered one of the brightest young coaches in the NFL.

Last year’s division title run was a surprise. The AFC South crown is now the expectation.

The Texans concluded their mandatory minicamp in Houston last week. Training camp will begin in mid-July before Stroud and Co. kick off the 2024 preseason with the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 1. Houston will face the Chicago Bears, who selected USC star Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.