The Houston Texans are giving Davis Mills the keys to the offense. The chronic four-win team over the past two seasons is saddling up the second-year quarterback from Stanford for at least 2022 to see what Mills can provide under center.
In the four seasons prior to Mills’ arrival, Texans quarterback play was hallmarked by big plays, typically by scrambling in the pocket to allow bigger plays to develop downfield. Mills has none of that going for him, and the lack of a running game and pass protection severely impacted his effectiveness in his rookie year.
When Mills was able to have time to go downfield, the results were impressive.
According to Bryant Horn from Pro Football Focus, Mills was the fifth-best quarterback in 2021 when it came to deep passing performance.
Mills’ 123.5 passer rating on deep throws led the league last season. He completed 47.6% of his 42 attempts, earning an impressive 89.4 passing grade.
While turnovers can often be a problem for rookies, Mills’ 4.1% turnover-worthy play rate on deep passes ranked fifth among starters last season — and he did this with a lackluster receiving corps.
While Mills may have the proficiency to take advantage of big plays downfield, he also recognizes that the offense must remain balanced.
“The biggest thing is that we are going to mix it up, run and pass,” Mills told reporters on April 12 during offseason workouts. “Obviously, run to open up the pass or pass to open up the run. Mix it in that way but also take advantage of big plays and vertical routes down the field. That will be one. A lot of it is just getting the ball to playmakers in space.”
If the Texans can allow the playmakers space and Mills protection, the deep passing game may become a staple of the 2022 offense under new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton.
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