There is no way around the idea these Houston Texans have a San Francisco 49ers feel.
They hired former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as head coach; former 49ers assistant Bobby Slowik as offensive coordinator; defensive passing game coordinator Cory Undlin, who spent the past two seasons in a similar role with San Francisco; then some former Niners like defensive lineman Hassan Ridgeway and safety Jimmie Ward.
Trying to replicate the 49ers' success over the last several years when these players and coaches were there would not be the worst thing. San Francisco had double-digit wins in three of the past four seasons, finishing with a loss in the Super Bowl and two losses in the NFC championship game.
Ward acknowledged when speaking with media members Thursday it was his close connection with Ryans, Undlin and being able to compete for starting safety that sold him on the Texans as a free agent this offseason.
But when asked how the San Francisco influence could impact the Texans, Ward redirected, pointing out the importance of them creating their own identity in Houston.
"We've got to find our own culture," Ward said. "We've got to create our own identity. We're not San Fran. We're Houston. So that's who we're going to be."
Culture has long been a buzzword in sports, and every brand needs an identity. The hope is for veterans like Ward, who signed a two-year, $13 million contract, to help them establish that culture and identity.
Ward was a favorite of Ryans and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan for his leadership, versatility and willingness to do what's best for the team.
After nine seasons in San Francisco, the most recent successful ones, Ward joins a defense with some key new pieces.
They added defensive end Will Anderson Jr. with the No. 3 overall pick; signed defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and expect a full season of health from second-year cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and linebacker Christian Harris. They also added linebacker Denzel Perryman, who was a Pro Bowler for the Raiders two seasons ago.
Ward is already breaking down film with second-year safety Jalen Pitre, whose skills the veteran is fond of because of how interchangeable they could be.
"We've been talking about it, talking a lot about it," Ward said of his early communication with Pitre from voluntary team workouts. "One thing I've seen is he has great ball skills and he can really move. He told me how he played nickel (cornerback) in college and that's similar to what I did. I'm excited because it can be interchangeable, where I don't always have to cover, or he doesn't always have to blitz, or be in the post. We can switch it up and that's great for a defense because we can disguise better."
Perhaps no player will know this defense better than Ward when they put pads on this summer. He's kind of like an extra coach on the field.
What he saw from Ryans the past two years as a defensive coordinator was someone willing to hold players accountable, and who players willingly listened to.
"He'll call you out," Ward said. "I feel like no matter the age, no matter how good a guy is, All-Pro/Pro Bowl, you've got to be able to take criticism. You've got to be able to be coachable. That's one guy who played this game and played it for a long time and he knows what you've been through.
"That's one guy a lot of guys look up to. ... He's a role model to a lot of guys, so that's why it's easy to listen to 'meco and that's why it's easy for him to push us, too."
Brandon Scott is the editor for SportsRadio610.com. Follow him on Twitter @brandonkscott. Reach him directly via email: brandon.scott@audacy.com.
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