Veteran LB's Surrounding Ryans Should Boost Texans Defense

HOUSTON (AP) - The Houston Texans feel good about their linebacker group -- with DeMeco Ryans.

The addition of veterans Shawn Barber and Danny Clark adds needed experience they feel will help not only Ryans -- but the whole unit.

Ryans led the NFL with 126 solo tackles and won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors last season.

But he's still willing to learn. READ MORE

Gym Rat Ryans Joins Greenwood for Extra Work in Film Room

Texans linebackers coach Johnny Holland noticed a trend developing early last season. After he dismissed the linebackers from their post-practice meetings, DeMeco Ryans and Morlon Greenwood wouldn't leave.

As Holland left the room, Ryans and Greenwood moved to the front and started watching film. Every night they sat together studying tape of the upcoming opponent.

By the time they would finish, the locker room would be nearly empty.

"You leave here about 5 o'clock, and you get stuck in traffic, so you might as well be here watching film," Ryans said.

But Texans coaches know it's more than just a traffic report that keeps Ryans late at the stadium.

"He's a gym rat," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He comes out here and can go all day. He loves being around this complex. That's his home. You can't substitute that. This is what he enjoys, and it shows every day he's out there playing." READ MORE