Since 2020 and the “Two High Revolution,” NFL defensive philosophy has been dominated by disguise. From a two-high shell, the defense can pivot into multiple different spots post-snap. Along with the backend complexity, defenses have increased their use of simulated pressures and early-down blitzes.
Offensively, the meta has shifted to under-center play-action, which forces the quarterback to his back to the field. The theory is that the quarterback must recalibrate his sight, creating hesitation and doubt. For immature quarterbacks, the shift in coverage post-snap can force errant throws, increase turnovers because of a lack of awareness, or create uncertainty that leads to pressure.
In 2026, defenses are constantly “moving,” searching for negative plays and trying to find an edge in an increasingly offensive sport. DeMeco Ryans and his defensive coordinator, Matt Burke, are extreme outliers.
Houston has built the NFL’s counter-culture defense, or an “anti-defense.” Last season, the Texans finished in the bottom third of the league in Blitz Rate on early downs, ran almost no snaps of Dime (75% Nickel), and rarely disguised their intentions.
Yet, even though most offensive coordinators and quarterbacks knew what was coming, Houston was second in DVOA, behind the Super Bowl champions in Seattle. They did finish first in EPA/play, though (FTN). Houston’s playbook is based on the Robert Saleh scheme, which was introduced in 2018 as Kyle Shanahan and Saleh moved away from the Pete Carroll-dominant systems around the league.
The system’s hallmark is a stunt-heavy front four, static secondary structures, and Nickel-based defense. Looking at an entropy chart (above), the 49ers, Packers, and Texans all rank at the bottom and come from the same coaching tree.
Houston ranked 30th in Disguise Rate (20%) and third in Static Shell Rate (80%), trailing only Denver and Cleveland in pure pre-to-post-snap static looks in ‘25. Though the 49ers and Packers utilize more post-snap disguise, all three share the same foundational wide-front, zone-first architecture, with Houston
Ryans has leaned into the thought process of simplicity over scheme. Houston, on a majority of their downs, is aligned in a four-down “Wide-9” with an 80%+ zone coverage menu on early downs. The line is typical of a wide front and requires the interior defensive line to gain penetration while the two defensive ends work to cage the box. All of this is done with little help from designed pressures.
So, how does a defense that plays static on much of its downs come to be so dominant? First, the roster is loaded with talent, and each player is a perfect fit for their role. DEs Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter are both wreckers on the edge. In the secondary, Derek Stingley Jr. is considered a unanimous top-five CB in the league. At Nickel, Jalen Pitre is a three-headed monster, or a player who can cover, tackle, and even blitz when called upon.
Houston definitely has the “Jimmies and the Joes,” but there is nuance in how Ryans and Burke call their defense. With little disguise and pressure to overcome any deficiencies, technique, communication, and alignment are critical—and that cannot be overstated.
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