Texans Takeaways: Week 2 vs. Denver Broncos

Every week, the Toro Times will discuss three takeaways from each Houston Texans game. These topics will include: What went wrong, What went right, and Where the Texans go from here. This discussion will vary each week, but we will tackle the most important factors to winning or losing each game. Let’s ride Texan fans.

Texans Takeaways: What went wrong?

Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills must perform well in Week 3 if he wants the fans to believe that he can be the franchise guy. Mills underperformed significantly against the Broncos.

Mills threw for 177 yards, with a poor completion total of 19-for-38. The offensive line was not great, but this game was mainly on Mills. Many receivers were open, and he would miss the read or not recognize it and get nothing out of it.

The Texans QB had wildly inaccurate throws, he targeted Nico Collins nine times and only completed four balls, while the other three were uncatchable, even for a 6’4″ athletic receiver in Collins. Mills struggles to look at anyone other than Brandin Cooks, hindering the entire Texans offense. Chris Moore, Brevin Jordan, and Collins were open multiple times and he didn’t even look.

Texans Takeaways: What went right?

The Texans’ defense looked exactly how Texans fans have been hoping for this season. While the run game still needs work, the pass defense was sometimes impressive. Derek Stingley allowed six receptions on nine passes to Courtland Sutton.

Unfortunately for the Broncos, Jerry Jeudy went out of the game early with an injury that had Russell Wilson focusing on only Sutton as his target. Even though Sutton performed well against Stingley, they had a great battle with Singley having two pass breakups, another touchdown-saving play, and a debatable penalty call.

Dameon Pierce is finally receiving most of the carries. Pierce was an animal running the ball, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and having 69 rushing yards. When Pierce had protection, he looked fantastic, carrying multiple bodies with him each rush. Pierce should have more carries this week versus the Chicago Bears. Pierce will show why he is worth the hype he gathered in the preseason.

Texans Takeaways: What happens next?

Davis Mills will be the reason for success for the Houston’s offense. The offensive line had its ups and downs, and even with the questionable O-line last week, Mills should have performed better.

His knowledge in the pocket and overall play-making looked in question last week, and he needs to make smarter decisions. Mills has to look at all his weapons by reading through progressions.

The Houston receiving core is not as bad as you may think. If Mills can look to all his weapons, this offense will skyrocket in productivity, and against a lackluster Chicago Bears team who can’t score points, Mills and the Texans need to take advantage and get their first win of the season.