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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
Davis Mills has been the rare exception to recent NFL preseason trends as a starter seeing significant playing time. With the caveat in place that multiple starting offensive linemen and top wide receiver Brandin Cooks have not been out there with him, the inconsistency from Mills and the starting offense through three preseason contests has been concerning. He led two scoring drives against San Francisco on Thursday night in the preseason finale and showed beautiful touch and anticipation on a touchdown pass to Chris Moore. However, on the other four drives, he could not get anything going with three three-and-outs and another drive with just a single first down. Like last week, there were long stretches where the offense was simply stuck in the mud. Mills completed 6-of-10 passes for 58 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The lack of explosive plays is concerning because it continues a trend from camp practices. We have seen competence from Mills but whether he will ultimately make enough big plays to be able to compete against the slew of elite young franchise quarterbacks in the AFC is very much still to be determined. Kyle Allen will be the top backup, while Jeff Driskel has a chance to stick around on the roster in a hybrid role.
Running Backs
Against San Francisco, Dameon Pierce only played the opening series. He had six carries for 37 yards and finished the drive with a one-yard touchdown. He is locked in as the starting running back for Week 1, but his importance is even greater. Pierce looks like he will be the centerpiece of the offense and the guy the team hopes to build their identity around. “We want to be a tough football team that loves to run the football and I think that's what we have been trying to establish throughout the preseason,” head coach Lovie Smith said. “That should open up things.” In the AFC South, the Texans have been looking up at the Colts and Titans. Two teams that are built around workhorse running backs Jonathan Taylor and Derrick Henry. That is what Houston wants to be, and there seems to be some hope that Pierce can play a big role in getting them there. Getting to that level is easier said than done, however. The Texans were dead last in the NFL last year, averaging just 83.6 yards rushing per game. Houston made upgrades to the offensive line (rookie Kenyon Green was a monster against the 49ers), and Pierce looks like a clear talent boost over last year’s options. You can see a clear path towards Pierce getting a ton of carries and having a massive rookie season, but the overall effectiveness of the offense could hold him back. Marlon Mack also ran well against San Francisco with 55 yards on 11 carries. He will be in the mix alongside veteran third-down back Rex Burkhead as backups behind Pierce. Dare Ogunbowale is firmly on the roster bubble, and it will come down to whether the Texans decide to keep four backs or just three.
Wide Receivers
We did not see Brandin Cooks in the preseason, but Smith has spoken glowingly of the connection between Cooks and Mills. "Before we display it in front of everyone, I'd say it's good. The excitement that I have about where we are offensively is that we made the decision to not play Brandin (Cooks)…The chemistry that I've seen throughout has been really good. They like playing together, and that's going to lead to positive results." Nico Collins had a quiet night in limited action against the 49ers. He did not pull in his only target but did draw a pass interference penalty that helped set up the touchdown on the opening drive. He is locked in as the second wide receiver. Lacking exciting options behind Cooks and Collins, the duo should both see a healthy dose of targets all season. John Metchie would have likely had a substantial workload in the slot had he not been sidelined for the season with health issues. There was not a ready replacement in-house, and that should lead the target volume to be quite concentrated in the top two. Cooks and Collins should be solid fantasy performers even if the passing offense is not in the top half of the league. Phillip Dorsett and Chris Conley should be the top backups. Chris Moore caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Mills early in the second half against San Francisco and looks to have the inside track for the fifth wide receiver spot. If the Texans keep six, Jalen Camp should be the next man up, given his elite size and speed combination.
Tight Ends
Pharaoh Brown has been held out of preseason action alongside the other veteran offensive starters. This is a sign of his importance and how entrenched he has become. It also may reflect the fact that the Texans are woefully thin at the position behind Brown and Brevin Jordan and can’t risk another injury. Rookie Teagan Quitoriano is the third for now but expect Houston to be aggressive trying to upgrade depth here once other teams make final cuts.
Defense
The strength of this defense could be the edge depth. Defensive end Jonathan Greenard had eight sacks in just 12 games last year. Veterans Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison have impressed throughout camp and should contribute as part of a deep rotation. Defensive end Derek Rivers had been making a strong push throughout the preseason but will likely miss the entire season after tearing his bicep against the 49ers. Against San Francisco, defensive tackles Michael Dwumfour and rookie Kurt Hinish accounted for five TFLs and two sacks. Hinish looks like a major steal as an undrafted rookie who has gone from roster long shot to a potential Week 1 starter. Safety Jalen Pitre continues to shine. He has been playing in the box on early downs and as a free safety on third downs. Pitre could lead the team in tackles and has major IDP fantasy upside.
Returners
The Texans extended both of their top returners from last year in Tremon Smith (kickoffs) and Desmond King (punts). The veterans continue to lead the competition for the roles in 2022.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
Davis Mills led a touchdown drive in the final minute before halftime against the Rams, capping it off with a well-thrown back shoulder ball to Nico Collins. The drive was the lone highlight in an otherwise abysmal preseason for Mills and the starting offense. Prior to the drive before halftime, Houston had managed a grand total of three first downs in seven drives, and the offense averaged less than 2.0 yards per play. In fact, Houston had just 31 net yards with 14 seconds left in the first half. “Early on, we didn’t have a lot of success,” head coach Lovie Smith said. “We decided to let the offense keep playing. You always want to finish on a high note.” While the Texans did not have their full starting unit available, the lack of success was striking given how many Houston starters were on the field against the Rams' second and third stringers. DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN noted that Mills has not consistently shown enough velocity on throws outside the numbers in camp and the issue also cropped up in the preseason matchup against the Rams. While a relatively small sample of preseason action should not cause panic, the uninspiring play will only increase skepticism over Mills’ ability to make a second-year leap. Kyle Allen completed nine of 12 passing for 71 yards and a touchdown. He is safely entrenched in the backup role.
Running Backs
The biggest takeaway from the Texans' matchup against the Rams was that rookie Dameon Pierce was held out of action and is already getting the veteran starter treatment. Smith noted after the game that the team simply held out Pierce because they saw a lot of him last week. Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network reported that the Texans are looking for someone to step up at running back beyond Pierce. They “loved what he did last week,” said Wilson of the Texans’ handling of Pierce and noted that “when you get the evaluation you want, you don’t necessarily have to double down in the preseason.” All signs are pointing towards Pierce opening the season as the lead back for Houston. Marlon Mack is the next man up. He received the first five carries against the Rams and managed 29 yards on eight carries on the night. Mack has been solid but has clearly been outplayed by Pierce. Rex Burkhead got some time with the starters and caught all three of his targets from Mills for nine yards. Mack and Burkhead were the only backs to see the field with the starters. Burkhead should be able to hold off Dare Ogunbowale for the third running back spot.
Wide Receivers
The lone bright spot for the Houston offense against Los Angeles was Nico Collins. With top wideout Brandin Cooks held out, Collins was the clear top option for Mills and delivered, catching four of six targets for 48 yards and a touchdown. “Nico’s a big target, with a lot of talent,” Smith said. “We want to get him in those types of situations. If we run the ball well, we’ll get more one-on-one situations for Nico.” Collins has proven a real mismatch against smaller receivers and has built a strong rapport with Mills. “The biggest growth I’ve seen from him has been off the field and how much he’s matured,” Mills said. “Going to work each day, trying to be the best player he can be, I think he’s made a big jump.” Collins used his size to go up and make a contested 14-yard touchdown catch seconds before halftime. “Nico is a big target with a lot of talent. He's got length. He can catch the ball. Big play there,” Smith said of the touchdown grab. “He's capable of making a lot of plays like that.” Chris Conley started in Cooks’ spot but was unable to bring in either of his targets. He provides solid veteran depth but is an unexciting option. Phillip Dorsett helped get the Texans offense rolling with a beautiful 32-yard catch down the sideline on a third-and-long play just before halftime. The speedy Dorsett may be the favorite to emerge as the third option behind Cooks and Collins.
Tight Ends
Starting tight end Pharaoh Brown missed the matchup with the Rams due to injury, which opened the door for Brevin Jordan to take every single snap in both 11 and 12 personnel. Jordan caught both of his targets for a total of seven yards. While his playing time was encouraging, the production was a bit disappointing, considering that both Brown and top wide receiver Brandin Cooks were out.
Defense
The Texans had five first-half sacks against the Rams by five different players. While there is no dominant front-seven player on the roster, the depth looks improved. There were some obvious growing pains for rookie cornerback Derek Stingley. He got turned around and gave up a 22-yard completion early but rebounded nicely, flashing the speed and smooth change of direction that led Houston to take him third overall. The biggest news was simply that Stingley was out there and feeling good. Houston has taken it slow with his recovery from a Lisfranc injury. H has had no setbacks as his participation has been ramped up.
Offensive Line
The return of left tackle Laremy Tunsil (hand) has been a welcome development. With Tytus Howard on the right side, the tackles have played above average so far. At left guard, first-round rookie Kenyon Green (Texas A&M) missed two weeks of camp with a concussion. Green is also rehabbing a knee that required offseason surgery, leaving veteran Justin McCray to take the first-team reps all summer. Assuming Green is healthy, this group could be far better than last year's version.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
Davis Mills started the preseason opener against the Saints but did not get many opportunities to make plays in his two drives. The offense had a pair of three-and-outs and was not particularly aggressive. While Mills completed all three attempts, one went for a loss, and the other two were short gains. Two of the three passes were screens. We did not see any deeper passes, which is the one area where Mills has drawn mixed reviews in camp. “I’m comfortable out there,” Mills said. “Obviously, I would have like to put together some longer drives, but I mean, it felt like I handled everything well. We saw the defense and thought we executed well.” Backup Kyle Allen missed the game due to Covid, leaving Jeff Driskel to play most snaps. He threw three interceptions but did lead a game-winning drive late. "I'm a competitor — I want to figure out a way to get on the field and help the team win," Driskel said. "Last year that way was playing special teams and tight end.” Driskel’s best chance to make the roster is in a Taysom Hill-like hybrid role.
Running Backs
Marlon Mack started the preseason opener and played alongside Mills and the other starters. He had three carries for six yards. While Mack has made some splash plays in camp, it feels like only a matter of time until he takes a back seat to rookie Dameon Pierce. Pierce got his first carry early in the second quarter, made a sharp cut, and dashed for 20 yards. On the night, he had five rushes for 49 yards. "Dameon Pierce definitely caught my eye and everybody watching him," head coach Lovie Smith said. "It's what we've been seeing in training camp." Overall, it was a fantastic debut and lends credence to the overwhelmingly positive reports about his camp performance. “He can run with power,” Smith said. “He can make you miss. He can cut on a dime. Catch the ball. There are some things that he can do well that you’d expect a good running back in the NFL to do.” Darius Anderson, likely battling for a practice squad spot, suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Wide Receivers
Going into his ninth NFL season, we know what to expect from Brandin Cooks. He shows no signs of slowing down and has been the best wide receiver in camp for the Texans. His play speed and precise route running stand out. Nico Collins has emerged as the clear second option in the passing offense. He has lofty goals for himself. “One thing I worked on this offseason is my pad level and footwork at making every route the same,” Collins said. “I’m trying to be one of the greats. I want to be a Hall of Famer in Houston like Andre Johnson. Until then, I’ve got to continue to stack my days.” Collins has stacked strong performances throughout camp, showing improved route running after an uneven rookie season. Chris Conley started against the Saints in place of Brandin Cooks and looks to be the favorite for the third spot. Deeper down the depth chart, Jalen Camp continues to make his case. He caught a short touchdown and came down with a 49-yard deep shot against New Orleans. Johnny Johnson III scored the game-winning touchdown to top off a strong preseason performance. He is also making a serious push for a spot on the final roster.
Tight Ends
Starter Pharaoh Brown has been one of Mills’ favorite targets in camp and should be in line for an increase in targets. Second-year pro Brevin Jordan has been getting open consistently. He played 6-of-7 snaps with Mills and the starters against the Saints and looks like the number three option in the passing game behind Cooks and Collins. The Texans do not feel comfortable with their depth behind the top two. Houston had agreed to a trade with Miami for Adam Shaheen, but it fell through when Shaheen could not pass his physical.
Defense
Safety Jalen Pitre continues to stand out for the Texans. He notched an impressive tackle for loss early against the Saints, knifing into the backfield to cut down the runner, and had a near interception. Cornerback Derek Stingley was held out against New Orleans but continues to impress teammates in practice. “He’s very, very athletically gifted, but he’s also inquisitive,” receiver Chris Conley said of Stingley. “He asks a lot of questions, and you can tell when he gets an answer and he picks something up, he’s on it. So, he’s been playing extremely well.” Stingley got the best of Cooks multiple times in a recent practice and is showing flashes of being an elite shutdown corner. The competition at free safety remains wide open, though Jonathan Owens was listed as the starter on the initial depth chart and may have a slight edge over Eric Murray.
Returners
The Texans extended both of their top returners from last year in Tremon Smith (kickoffs) and Desmond King (punts). The veterans lead the competition for special teams reps through early August.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
Davis Mills had some issues early connecting on deep passes and spurring some whispers that he is checking it down too often. However, he performed very well overall. He made a leap from his solid rookie season in terms of making quicker decisions and accurately getting the ball out on time. Mills also is winning teammates over with Laremy Tunsil endorsing him as a “dog.” “He’s just getting comfortable,” Nico Collins noted of Mills. “We’ve got his back 100% of the way. He’s the quarterback. We’ve got his back. We trust in him, and he trusts us, and that’s what it’s all about.” Kyle Allen solidified himself as the top backup early in camp, “I talk a lot about Davis Mills, rightfully so, but you just never know when it’s the backup’s time to step up,” coach Lovie Smith told reporters. “Kyle has played a lot of ball. He’s mobile. He’s accurate, and that’s why we brought him here; a guy that if we have to call on him, he knows our offense, and we feel like he can run it.”
Running Backs
Marlon Mack and Dameon Pierce are competing to be the lead back in what is likely to be a three-man rotation that also includes Rex Burkhead. Pierce is the most consistent of the backs showing agility and quickness, along with a knack for pushing forward for the tough yard between the tackles. "He’s done some good things throughout," Smith said of Pierce. While Pierce is steadier, Mack produced the higher highs and seems to be coming on strong in the last few practices. He also broke off some long gains and made some big plays as a receiver. Another year removed from his torn Achilles, Mack is showing his pre-injury burst and is right in the mix to lead the Texans backfield going into Week 1. "Last year, I didn't get that chance to show myself, but in the few games that I did, I felt that confidence in myself," Mack said recently. "But now, I've actually just got to go out there and do it again, once again. I feel good, man. Every day I'm showing that explosion."
Wide Receivers
Nico Collins is the star of camp offensively. “That's a tough duty for a defensive back," Smith said of Collins. "The one play that you're talking about, defensively, cornerback Steven Nelson is in pretty good position, but when you're 6-foot-4, most corners around six feet, that's a pretty good matchup for us. Nico Collins is an excellent football player. We expect him to make plays like that.” Collins entered the league in the same draft class as Mills, and the two have developed a strong rapport through offseason workouts together. “Obviously, his talent is off the charts,” Mills said of Collins. “We’ve just got to find ways to get him the ball.” Collins is the “clear No. 2” according to ESPN’s Texans reporter D.J. Bien-Aime. Brandin Cooks is also having a strong training camp and should be the go-to weapon in this Texans offense. Houston drafted John Metchie in the second round with a big role in mind, but a Leukemia diagnosis will sideline him for the full season. It is a major blow to the Texans' depth at the position. Veterans Chris Conley and Phillip Dorsett provide depth, with Conley the leading candidate for snaps behind Cooks and Collins. Chester Rogers was signed this week to compete for snaps in the slot. Of the young wide receivers, Jalen Camp is the most consistent, and he’s making a push for snaps as a backup.
Tight Ends
Brevin Jordan is a legitimate fantasy sleeper. He is in “noticeably great shape” to start camp after improving his diet and slimming down. Jordan noted this is the first time he’s had abs since he was in seventh grade. Jordan’s been drawing attention for more than just his physique, with two touchdown catches in multiple scrimmages. "Brevin is a good match-up," Smith said. "He's a tight end. He’s a big receiver. Against linebacker and safeties, we should have the advantage." He could end up being the prime beneficiary of the absence of Metchie and should be viewed as the favorite to man the slot in obvious passing situations. Houston was second in the NFL last season using 12 (one running back and two tight ends) and 13 (one back and three tight ends) personnel. Jordan should be a regular as the flex in those sets. While Jordan is angling for slot snaps, Pharaoh Brown is locked in as the starting tight end in a more traditional “Y” position. "He's a wide tight end," Smith said of Brown. "He can block, big body. You see him make catches every day. We'll have a big role for him.” Brown also slimmed down and said he wants to get more involved as a pass catcher with an eye on a bigger free agency deal in the offseason. Rookie Teagan Quitoriano is a blocking specialist who could be at least a year away from contributing. Anthony Auclair injured his knee early in camp and remains sidelined.
Defense
Derek Stingley is working through some rookie struggles, but his potential is clearly through the roof. His size, speed, and movement ability are still on full display, but he was upstaged by fellow rookie safety Jalen Pitre. Pitre quickly emerged as a potential star, making flashy plays nearly every practice. “That boy is a dog,” said Brevin Jordan of Pitre. “He's balling.” Lovie Smith has already written Pitre’s name in pen as a starter. "He's intelligent, smart, everything we're looking for in a safety, he has,” said Smith. “Can't wait for him to actually play his first game.”
