Make no mistake, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans is a fan of what he has gotten from fifth-year quarterback Davis Mills, who started again in Week 11 against the Tennessee Titans in place of the injured C.J. Stroud.
Mills delivered, completing 274 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions.
The Texans got back to .500 and are now 3-1 against the AFC South, which could be key as they look to reassert themselves in the playoff race.
DeMeco Ryans Praises Davis Mills After Win
GettyDavis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans looks on against the Tennessee Titans.
Ryans was effusive with praise for Mills and his top target, Texans WR1 Nico Collins, who finished with 92 yards and 1 TD on nine receptions. That includes a critical connection in the two-minute drill that led to kicker Matthew Wright’s game-winning field goal.
“Davis did a great job all day of, really, protecting the football, making great decisions. And no play bigger than him connecting with Nico there, when we needed it most, in the two-minute drive. That was such a huge play for us. And Nico and Davis, that connection really took off in the second half, which we needed. We needed a spark. We started getting the ball to Nico, and we saw, he made play after play after play. So, did an outstanding job, putting us in position there to make that field goal a lot easier,” Ryans told reporters on November 16.
“You just trust your guys, right? And that’s what Davis has shown. Davis keeps me calm because he’s so calm in the moment, but who we’re going to with the football matters. And when Nico’s out there, he’s getting targeted. I think for the most time when he gets targeted, he comes down with the football.”
Collins is notably tied with fellow wideout Christian Kirk for the lowest catch rate among the Texans’ receivers, per Pro Football Focus.
They are also first and fifth, respectively, on the team in targets to wide receivers.
In two games with Mills, his 2021 draft classmate, starting, Collins has drawn 25 targets, more than he has had in any other two-game stretch this season. Collins has turned his increased looks into 16 receptions, 228 yards, and 1 touchdown.
DeMeco Ryans Downplays C.J. Stroud’s Absence
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before facing the Denver Broncos.
Ryans is very much a “next man up” kind of coach, leaning into that messaging after the win regarding the Texans’ ability to win like this with Mills in Stroud’s place.
“It’s team football, and that’s what we’re about. My No. 1 rule is it’s a team-first mentality. Everything that we do is never about one guy. It’s going to be collectively, coaches, players, staff, everybody working together,” Ryans said.
“That’s what we have here with the Texans. Our support staff is outstanding, our coaching staff has done a great job, and our players, they’re the ones who step up and make the plays we need to make to put us in position to win these games. So, can’t thank those guys enough for the grit that they showed, and that will to finish.”
It remains unclear if Stroud will be able to clear concussion protocol in time to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 12 on “Thursday Night Football.”
He has not practiced for the Texans since Week 9, potentially setting Mills up for another start.
Texans Feeding Off Davis Mills’ Demeanor
GettyDavis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
More than just Mills’ performance, the Texans also thrive on the QB’s calm demeanor. He drew attention during the week for saying his wife often gets frustrated that he does not get angry enough.
That calmness has paid off for the Texans in back-to-back comeback wins.
“His emotions never change, which is great. I love that about Davis, and I think his calm and his demeanor really gives everybody – he has that quiet confidence about him. Davis knows what he’s doing. He’s a competitor deep down inside, and he wants to make those plays,” Ryans said.
“Our entire sideline, our team feels that from Davis. We feel his confidence when he’s out there, knowing that he’s going to go to the right spot with the football and make a play.”
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