DeMeco Ryans Gets Real About Davis Mills, Texans’ QB Situation
Make no mistake, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans is a fan of what he has gotten from fifth-year quarterback Davis Mills. Mills started again in Week 11 against the Tennessee Titans, filling in for the injured C. J. Stroud. He delivered a solid performance, completing 274 yards, throwing 1 touchdown, and avoiding any interceptions.
The Texans improved to a .500 record and are now 3-1 against the AFC South—a key factor as they look to reassert themselves in the playoff race.
### DeMeco Ryans Praises Davis Mills After Win
Ryans was effusive with praise for Mills and his top target, Texans WR1 Nico Collins. Collins finished the game with 92 yards and 1 touchdown on nine receptions. This included a critical connection during 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,” Ryans told reporters on November 16.
He added, “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 continued, “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.”
### Nico Collins’ Increased Role with Mills
Collins is notably tied with fellow wideout Christian Kirk for the lowest catch rate among the Texans’ receivers, according to Pro Football Focus. However, they rank first and fifth, respectively, in targets among the team’s wide receivers.
Since Mills has been starting, Collins—Mills’ 2021 draft classmate—has drawn 25 targets over two games. This is more than he has had in any other two-game stretch this season. Collins has turned those looks into 16 receptions, 228 yards, and 1 touchdown.
### DeMeco Ryans Downplays C. J. Stroud’s Absence
Ryans is very much a “next man up” kind of coach and leaned into that message after the win regarding the Texans’ ability to succeed 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.
He continued, “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.”
As of now, it remains unclear if Stroud will clear concussion protocol in time to face the Buffalo Bills on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 12. Stroud has not practiced since Week 9, potentially setting up Mills for another start.
### Texans Feeding Off Davis Mills’ Calm Demeanor
More than just his on-field performance, the Texans thrive on Mills’ calm demeanor. During the week, Mills drew attention for saying his wife often gets frustrated that he doesn’t get angry enough.
That calmness has paid off for the Texans in back-to-back comeback wins. Ryans elaborated, “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.”
He added, “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.”
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/houston-texans/ryans-titans-mills-stroud-bills/
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