Right away, Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills asserted his readiness ahead of facing the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10.
The former third-round pick remains confident in himself despite his last start coming in Week 18 of the 2021 season. He gets his next against a 5-3 Jaguars team that ranks 17th in scoring and 22nd overall defensively and 27th against the passing game, in particular.
Notably, the Jaguars are one of two teams against whom Mills (5-19-1) has a winning record.
Davis Mills: ‘Obviously, I’m Ready’
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 and Davis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans embrace on the field after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
Mills met with the media on Wednesday, with Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirming that starter C.J. Stroud would miss Week 10 due to a concussion suffered in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos.
Mills, Stroud’s predecessor as Texans QB1, lamented the third-year QB’s injury.
However, he asserted that it is his job to step in and step up when called upon. Mill later noted the benefits of getting a full week of work as the team’s starting quarterback.
“Obviously, I’m ready. That’s kind of how I prepare week in week out. I’ve always had the mindset that you could play at any given snap. Unfortunately, what happened to C.J. in the game, I got thrown in there. But that’s what I I get paid to do. Always be prepared, and it’s nice having a full week of practice going into this game to attack this defense, and go out there and lead the guys,” Mills told reporters on November 5.
“The backup quarterback’s not getting most the reps throughout the week. So, it’s nice having a game plan built around you, and being able to rep all those plays throughout the week to see the different defensive looks from the uh the uh look team and go out there and execute the plays early in the week so you can kind of make it work on Sunday.”
Mills has thrown for 6,327 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions on 62.3% completion in his career. This matchup also presents a redemption opportunity for the Texans, who lost to the Jaguars in Week 3.
Davis Mills Gets Chance at Redemption
Tim Warner/Getty ImagesDavis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans in action against the Denver Broncos
Stroud missed two games due to a concussion as a rookie, and the Texans passed over Mills in favor of journeyman and hometown icon Case Keenum. Mills addressed how he felt about the decision then, and how it motivated him.
“I wouldn’t say I’d feel too different. I’ve always been confident in my abilities to go out there and lead the team to wins. But yeah, I think it – I’m grateful for the opportunity. Obviously, there’s only 32 guys starting for NFL teams in the league. Excited to go out and do that, and have a good game, and lead the guys to victory, hopefully,” Mills said.
“I think it leads you to, obviously, be introspective. Kind of look at yourself and what else I could be doing to really gain these guys’ trust and be as confident in my abilities as I am in myself. I think I’ve worked really hard to prove to those guys that I can go out there and be successful day in and day out. And I think I’ve shown that to my teammates as well. So, it’s going to be fun on Sunday.”
Mills said he just tried to be as consistent as possible to earn that trust.
Working in his favor, Mills will have draftmate and Texans wide receiver Nico Collins at his disposal. However, Mills also said that spreading the ball around and playing fast is key.
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