Have Texans found their quarterback of the future?

Posted by Charean Williams on February 10, 2022, 2:36 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers v Houston Texans
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The Texans still have Deshaun Watson on their roster, but he won’t be their quarterback of the future. Davis Mills might be.

Watson, who faces 22 civil lawsuits stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct, was inactive for every game last season. That, combined with an injury to Tyrod Taylor, allowed the Texans to play Mills as a rookie.

The third-round draft choice made 11 starts, throwing 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. In his final five starts in particular, Mills showed promise by throwing for 1,258 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions.

So the Texans feel they have something to work with for the future as they head into the offseason looking to trade Watson.

“For us, of course, Davis Mills came in and did some good things,” new coach Lovie Smith said on NFL Network. “You know, when you’re not the starter, you get a chance to go against the (first) defense each week, so I got a chance to see him in a lot of different situations. He played about as well as any of the rookie quarterbacks did last year. So (I’m) excited about some of the things that he can bring.”

Mills’ 88.8 passer rating was second among rookies behind only Mac Jones and ahead of veterans Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, Ben Roethlisberger and Baker Mayfield.

Mills will have a familiar face grooming him next season with Pep Hamilton going from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, replacing Tim Kelly, for the 2022 season.

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16 responses to “Have Texans found their quarterback of the future?”

  1. Still confusing what Watson’s problem with this team is? They stuck by him and treated him better than I would if I was the owner. He should stick around and help Lovie out.

  2. To the comment above. Agree. Aside from not liking Jack Easterby (what employee likes everyone at their place of work) what exactly did the Texans do to Watson aside from give him a massive contract? Unfortunately the media, which is horrible, bought and piled on the “I don’t like Jack Easterby” excuse as that should be enough of a reason; doesn’t make sense. My guess is that Watson knew that massage allegations were coming and tried to get out of town, the Easterby explanation was just convenient given the sports media isn’t overly bright and would simply behave in a mob-mentality form.

    As for Mills. Nice job by the author. The key is the last 5 starts. Mills only played 11 games in college due to circumstances largely out of his control (pandemic, etc) then got thrown into game 2 (too early) of the NFL season due to Taylor’s hamstring injury. Mills, a rookie, on a team with massive issues in the offseason, totally new coaches, and a massive roster turnover had no chance early on. After playing those 6 games, he got to sit when Taylor came back (sitting after playing for a bit is much better than just sitting without playing)…those first 6 games while rough were invaluable as he got to reflect. When given the starting job for the final 5 games, it was clear that Mills was a quick learner and did well on a team still lacking much notable talent. The Texans management has to do their job (go get the tackle from Bama or NC State) and Mills has to do his job in the offseason…but Mills has the ability to be elite..don’t be fooled by media that does not truly follow what happened in Houston in 2021. Given the lack of playing time in college, Mills first NFL year was effectively his last year in college…Mills has all the physical tools…will the Texans do right by him and does Mills have “it” (which can only be known given some time), much of which is self-desire…time will tell…but he’s certainly worth giving the opportunity.

  4. He was better than Mac Jones but his story is yet to be written. Time will tell if he’s a future starting QB.

  8. 50Stars says:
    February 10, 2022 at 2:38 pm
    Still confusing what Watson’s problem with this team is? They stuck by him and treated him better than I would if I was the owner. He should stick around and help Lovie out.

    —–

    Until his legal situation is resolved….
    They didnt have a choice.

  12. Considering this team was supposed to be a dumpster fire last year.. they played above expectations. Still don’t know if theyre a .500 team, but I mean.. they were way better than the Jags both on and off the field. Would have liked to see what Culley could have done in year 2, but Mills wasn’t all that bad..

  13. 50Stars says:
    February 10, 2022 at 2:38 pm
    Still confusing what Watson’s problem with this team is? They stuck by him and treated him better than I would if I was the owner. He should stick around and help Lovie out.
    ============================================================
    Really Brah! All Watson wanted was the same chance JJ Watt wanted, a chance to play for a winning team, and not waste most or all of your career with a dysfunctional and perpetual loser like the Texans.

    —–

  15. Really Brah! All Watson wanted was the same chance JJ Watt wanted, a chance to play for a winning team, and not waste most or all of your career with a dysfunctional and perpetual loser like the Texans.

    If I remember correctly, DWatson signed the 5 year contract for A LOT of money…His situation was completely different than JJ’s

  16. Really Brah! All Watson wanted was the same chance JJ Watt wanted, a chance to play for a winning team, and not waste most or all of your career with a dysfunctional and perpetual loser like the Texans.
    ============================================================================================
    If I remember correctly, DWatson signed the 5 year contract for A LOT of money…His situation was completely different than JJ’s

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