The end is the beginning.
The Houston Texans take on the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 10 at M&T Bank Stadium to kick off the 2023 season.
For DeMeco Ryans, he is beginning his coaching career in the venue where his playing career with the Texans ended after the 2011 AFC divisional playoffs.
“With the schedule release, we’re excited,” Ryans told reporters Friday at rookie minicamp. “You’re always excited to see where that first game is, and we get the opportunity to go up to Baltimore versus a very tough team. Lamar Jackson. Going to be a tough matchup. They added some firepower to the offense this offseason. Great challenge for us to start out. We’re excited about that.”
What also enthuses Ryans is the opportunity to play in front of the home crowd inside NRG Stadium. The Texans commence their home slate with a Sept. 17 showdown with the Indianapolis Colts.
Said Ryans: “More excited about the home opener where we get the opportunity to play for our hometown, play in front of our fans, and hopefully we can go out against our divisional opponent and put on a good show for the fans of Houston.”
The Texans didn’t even win a home game in 2022, marking the first time in franchise history Houston didn’t log a victory inside NRG Stadium.
“We’re excited about the schedule and where we are,” Ryans said.