When fourth-year head coach DeMeco Ryans first came to the Houston Texans, they had one of the worst defenses in the league.But in 2025, the Texans had one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL.Last season is in the rearview mirror. With the additions Houston made in the offseason, including signing defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney and defensive lineman Logan Hall, it should be even better this year. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair said the defense is not having that attitude. Instead, they have to climb up the mountain and put in the work just like last year.Azeez Al-Shaair has a ton of respect for how Keylan Rutledge plays the game:That boy is Conference USA all the way. He plays that way too, plays with a chip on his shoulder. Plays the game the right way, works hard. At that position, it doesnt take a whole lot of talent, pic.twitter.com/z60Qds06DX Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) August 4, 2026We go as far as we work," Al-Shaair said. "Its a lot of favor and just guys staying healthy along the way. When you have all the pieces that we already had and then you add guys to it, obviously the skys the limit. Its just about the work we put in every day. You cant climb that mountain on day one, but you also cant look back either. Its just taking it one day at a time, one step at a time and were on the right track.I dont think theres a problem later more pumped for a padded practice than #Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair. Dude was the first player on the field bland hasnt stopped bouncing since he took it. pic.twitter.com/Ne7Wiolpf4 Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) August 1, 2026So far, they are headed in the right direction in training camp. The defense has been physical throughout training camp, including getting some takeaways. If the Texans defense performs this way during the season, there is no limit to how far this defense could take them.This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Pro Bowl LB Azeez Al-Shaair says the sky is the limit with Texans' defense