Pete Carroll Calls Houston Texans Defense the NFL's Best

The Houston Texans just earned one of the NFL’s strongest endorsements, and it came from a coach who has spent decades evaluating elite defenses. Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll recently praised the Texans unit, declaring it the best defense in the league. For fans across Houston, the recognition adds even more excitement to a season already filled with momentum.

Carroll’s remarks came as his Raiders prepare to square off against Houston, a matchup that continues to gain national attention. Calling the Texans defense the most complete group in the NFL, he highlighted their speed, discipline, and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. It’s rare for a coach of his stature to use such definitive language, and it reflects the Texans’ rapid rise under head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Why the Praise Matters

The Texans defense has been a cornerstone of the team’s resurgence. Young talent, strong coaching, and a fast, physical style have drawn praise all season. Houston’s ability to apply pressure, force turnovers, and play tight coverage has changed the trajectory of the franchise.

Carroll’s comments go beyond compliments. They reinforce what Texans fans already feel: this is a team that can compete with anyone. The defense has kept Houston in tight games, controlled high-powered offenses, and given quarterback C.J. Stroud the support he needs to lead the team down the stretch.

In a season where every game matters for playoff positioning, hearing a seasoned coach call your defense the best in the league doesn’t just boost confidence—it validates the work put in across the organization. From the front office to the locker room, the Texans have rebuilt a culture that is now earning national respect.

What’s Next for Houston

The Texans now turn their focus toward closing the season strong. With several challenging matchups ahead, the defense will need to maintain the intensity that caught Carroll’s attention. If they continue to perform at this level, Houston could cement itself as one of the NFL’s most complete teams.

For fans, this means the excitement around the Texans is more than hype—it’s grounded in real, measurable performance. And as the postseason draws closer, Houston’s defense may be the factor that separates them from the pack.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated. Read the full story here.