The Houston Texans have some high expectations coming into the 2024 season, and rightfully so. Now, there is no crazy big pressure on them to make the Super Bowl, but after the magical season they had in 2023, 2024 should at least feature a playoff win, especially when you look at the way the roster is improved, and the staff is nearly identical.
So, there are big expectations, and really they only did that to themselves. Had they not blown the expectations last season out of the water, by taking a three-win team in 2022 with a rookie quarterback and rookie head coach to the second round of the playoffs, they wouldn't have so much pressure on them for 2024.
But, that's a good thing. That means they are ahead of schedule, and being ahead of schedule is not a bad thing at all. They had a great season, made moves in the offseason, had a great draft class, and now look forward to proving everyone wrong.
As for the expectations of the rookie class, though, those are very realistic.
“The realistic expectations for our rookies, and what we have as coaches, is being patient," head coach DeMeco Ryans said earlier this offseason. "We understand that you have to be patient with these guys and understand that they’re not going to pick it up in a day, or two days. It’s the same with our veterans – it takes time. And it’s about seeing that maturation process, seeing that growth, seeing the development – and that’s what excites me a lot about coaching is seeing those guys grow from. I always remember day one, and where they were.
"A lot of players I’ve coached, I remember their day one and how they started, and to see where they are now and in their careers. I’m most excited about the growth of the players that I’ve been able to have a role and a part in seeing their development. That’s the realistic approach for the rookies is just to sit back and watch them grow. As I told the guys when I broke it down today, ‘This is day one where you’re expected to make mistakes. Now, it’s all about the next day. We can’t come out and make the same mistakes again, let’s continue to progress. And that’s the realistic expectation.”
This rookie class coming in has great potential, and it only shows how great the Texans are at drafting because they also didn't have a first-round pick, and were still able to walk away with some great young players.
And, if anything, this quote from Ryans shows how good of a coach he is, and how much players will want to play for him because he is so relatable for them. He knows a rookie season can be tough, but he also knows there needs to be pressure and expectations. Those two cannot be too difficult on a rookie though either, so, it's all about balance, and he realizes that. I mean he should have won coach of the year last year, but the NFL isn't ready for that conversation, obviously.
