Key to developing Texans QB Davis Mills may be experience, not confidence

Through the first 10 games of the 2022 campaign, Davis Mills had an even 11-11 touchdown to interception ratio, a 78.1 passer rating, and a 6.5 yards per pass attempt. The Houston Texans compiled a 1-8-1 record and were more on target for the No. 1 overall pick than they were climbing their way out of a rebuild.

For a second-year player, it would seem Mills’ problems were related to confidence. Throw in the fact Mills was benched for Weeks 12-13, and it would be understandable that the former 2021 third-rounder’s confidence would be fragile.

However, Mills didn’t seem rattled against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15 as he went 12-24 for 121 yards, two touchdowns, and ran for a 17-yard score. The Texans took the AFC West champions to overtime where the Chiefs narrowly escaped NRG Stadium 30-24.

According to Mills, his confidence has not wavered at any point this season.

“My confidence has stayed the same,” Mills said. “I’ve always been a confident player. I got more snaps than the previous week, and more snaps means more opportunities to go out there and be successful and move the football.”

Mills returned to the starting lineup in place of Kyle Allen, but with a new wrinkle as the Stanford product splits time with Jeff Driskel in the “two quarterback system.” Houston deployed the new look in Week 14, and the Texans gave the Dallas Cowboys a similar scare on the road as Houston allowed their potential second win to slip away, 27-23. Nevertheless Mills was efficient, going 16-21 for 175 yards and an interception.

For Mills, the objective is clear: “just moving down the field and scoring points.”

Houston takes on the Tennessee Titans Christmas Eve at 1:00 p.m. from Nissan Stadium.