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Defense panic levels for Super Bowl contenders: Why Texans and Cowboys should not worry yet

4 points per contest—matching 2012 for the highest Week 1 mark dating back to 1962—defensive struggles drew widespread scrutiny across the league. Despite contending rosters like the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, and Houston Texans struggling defensively out of the gate, initial slip-ups often mirror historical patterns, much like New England and Seattle shaking off Week 1 defeats a year ago.

2%) since DeMeco Ryans became head coach. 0 points per drive, their fifth-highest concession rate in his tenure, against a Buffalo attack led by new head coach Joe Brady avenging a 2025 loss to the Texans.