Houston Texans defensive coordinator Rex Ryan has been with the AFC South club since 2016 as a defensive line coach, a position and team he has been with the most in his NFL career.
However, one of Weaver’s larger influences on his career was former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan. From 2002-05, Weaver played defensive end for the Ravens, and Ryan was his position coach for the first three seasons until taking over as defensive coordinator in 2005.
Here are three ways Ryan influenced Weaver.
1. Learn the big picture
“As a very young player, he always prompted us to learn the big picture and learn all of the stuff that was happening around us, just because he thought that would enable us to make some more plays,” Weaver told Houston reporters on a video conference May 13.
In Weaver’s tenure with the Ravens, the former 2002 second-round pick collected 14.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and interception, and 14 pass breakups in 57 career games with Baltimore, 54 of which he started.
Defensive end J.J. Watt and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus already have a larger view of the game. If Weaver can get second-year defensive end Charles Omenihu and rookie outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard to see the big picture as Ryan helped Weaver see, then the Texans’ pass rush could be rejuvenated.
2. Be a player’s coach
One of the more notable aspects of the Ryan twins, and even their father, the late Buddy Ryan, who was the defensive coordinator for the famous ’85 Chicago Bears, is their high esteem among players.
“He was obviously, as a player, he was a guy that was a player’s coach,” Weaver said.
Outside linebacker Brennan Scarlett was pleased to see Weaver get the promotion from defensive line coach to defensive coordinator.
3. Hold players accountable
One of the connotations of being a “player’s coach” is being an enabler. However, Weaver also learned from Ryan the ability to keep players on task.
“Once you crossed those white lines, you knew what time it was.,” said Weaver. “It was time to get to work. It was time to handle your business.”
Houston tied with the Cincinnati Bengals for the sixth-fewest sacks in the NFL with 31, and tied with Washington for the 15th-most takeaways in the league with 22. If the Texans can improve in both categories in 2020, it should catapult their defense back into being formidable.
