Is Davis Mills the answer for the Houston Texans?
The expectations of the Houston Texans for the new 2022 season are – let’s face it – fairly minimal.
Though quietly, there is some optimism for a campaign of growth and stability. This is a welcome departure from the past, as the franchise looks to move on from the previously turbulent few years which has brought a lot of self-inflicted noise and distraction.
For second year QB Davis Mills, 2022 provides a platform to cement his place as the future of the Texans, building on a fairly underrated 2021 rookie season.
Amidst the discussion surrounding Deshaun Watson and the quarterback draft class, it was Mills – a third round pick from Stanford – who arguably outperformed all the new starting rookies. Mills got his first regular season action in Week Two last year against the Cleveland Browns, filling in for an injured Tyrod Taylor. He started in his place until Taylor returned in Week 8, but won the starting job back for the last five games.
Overall, Mills – in thirteen appearances – threw for 16 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, 2,664 yards, with a rating of 88.8. Only Mac Jones performed better statistically than Mills among rookies in passing touchdowns, completion percentage and TD-INT ratio.
Why 2022 could be another year of growth
Mills led all rookies in passing yards per game and completion percentage despite being thrown in to action probably too early. Mills has been recognised by his team mates and coaching staff for his hard work, notably during the preseason, to be made a Captain for 2022.
The Texans are rebuilding for the future, and are starting to add playmakers to the team to help Mills improve a 30th ranked offense. WR Brandin Cooks is coming off another 1,000-yard season, proving a reliable target and security blanket.
Rookie RB Dameon Pierce has won the starting job after an impressive preseason, so he will help add much needed juice to a weak running game. There is a lot left to be desired in terms of skill players, but having an improved ground attack and offensive line will go a long way to aiding Mills’ growth. Veteran receivers will also be valuable for experience.
New head Coach Lovie Smith is well respected and patient, and he should help improve the 27th ranked defense from last year. A reasonably fair strength of schedule and simply another year in the system should see more improvement.
Another challenging year for the Texans?
While another year in the system can naturally lead to improvement, it can be one for growing pains. Teams may have more film on Mills to work with in order to prepare a game plan.
Furthermore, currently Mills is widely seen as a solid but perhaps unspectacular QB. There is room for growth, but that can be hindered if he does not get more help from his team.
Mills will need an improved line and more deep threat from his receivers as he looks to expand his passing game. Losing Rookie WR John Metchie III for the season as he was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia is blow, so more players will need to step up in a new offense.
Last year’s Offensive Coordinator Tim Kelly left his role to join the Tennessee Titans, so having new staff and a playbook may be a slight hinderance.
David Mills and the Texans are in a pretty good position in terms of the future. They had a strong draft, picking up some potential star players, and have the opportunity to draft more because of past trades. Houston is in no position to rush, so this year is a chance to establish the roster and identity of the team without being rash as the expectations are realistic.
The upside is that Mills builds upon his success and gels more with the offense, establishing himself as a starter that saves money and a draft pick. Worse case, Houston keeps Mills as a solid back up and moves on to the intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2023 draft.
