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By Ellis Williams
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Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans started Wednesday’s practice with a tackling exercise that reminded defensive end Will Anderson Jr. of his earliest football lessons.
The Texans (2-5) returned from their bye week to work on wrapping up and finishing tackles before Sunday’s visit to the Los Angeles Chargers. Ryans opened the session with defenders practicing from their knees on the 35-yard line.
Anderson compared the work to youth football as Ryans stressed the fundamentals of tackling.
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“Whatever it takes to get the job done,” Anderson said. “Football was played differently back then and how it is now and he's reteaching us.”
One group knelt in front of standing teammates, then wrapped and squeezed them. Anderson described the emphasis as getting his body into the tackle and bringing the runner down rather than sliding off to the side.
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The drill took place Wednesday, Nov. 4. Anderson’s reaction reflected the basic technique being taught as Houston resumed practice after its week off.
The Texans entered the break after losing 27-21 in overtime to the New York Giants on Oct. 25 at Reliant Stadium. New York finished the game with a three-play, 81-yard touchdown drive.
Running back Devin Singletary scored on a 30-yard run to end that possession. It was the Giants’ fourth rushing touchdown of the game, following scoring runs of two, one and 16 yards during regulation.
Houston allowed 420 total net yards against New York while gaining 237. The Texans had tied the game at 21 in the fourth quarter, but the Giants’ overtime touchdown dropped them to five losses.
Anderson leads Houston with 7.5 sacks and has 33 combined tackles this season. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has a team-leading 58 combined tackles, while safety Reed Blankenship and cornerback Kamari Lassiter each have 45.
Through seven games, Houston has allowed 686 rushing yards on 179 carries, an average of 3.8 yards per attempt. Opponents have scored nine rushing touchdowns.
Houston visits the Chargers (0-7) on Sunday, Nov. 8, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS.
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