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Davis Mills getting no respect

Toro Bravo said:
I agree with your conclusions but I would also add that Mills has absolutely zero Moxey or Mojo to make a play when things break down. This is even evident in his press conferences and interviews where he is, frankly, boring. He is a guy who plays within the system and design of the play but doesn't make playground football off script type plays.
I was watching the Chiefs vs Bucs game in week 4 and saw Mahomes make at least 3 such plays, where you just go wow, that all resulted in a TD or first down. I doubt that Mills has made 3 such plays in his career. I don't expect Mills to be Mahomes, but I do expect him to make plays when the game is on the line - that's what good QB's do.
Show me some Fire Davis!
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We disagree there...he's got about 3 here in this game alone...& he's got several games where he's making off script plays...Usually makes a few game. They just get lost in drives that either stall out or his negative plays.
 
Toro Bravo said:
I agree with your conclusions but I would also add that Mills has absolutely zero Moxey or Mojo to make a play when things break down. This is even evident in his press conferences and interviews where he is, frankly, boring. He is a guy who plays within the system and design of the play but doesn't make playground football off script type plays.
I was watching the Chiefs vs Bucs game in week 4 and saw Mahomes make at least 3 such plays, where you just go wow, that all resulted in a TD or first down. I doubt that Mills has made 3 such plays in his career. I don't expect Mills to be Mahomes, but I do expect him to make plays when the game is on the line - that's what good QB's do.
Show me some Fire, Davis!
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That's my take too. Very good arm talent which shows often in a clean pocket. When pocket breaks down, Mills is often useless. Exactly what I was explaining yesterday. He doesn't seem to handle any pressure well to date, be it playing on the road, winning close games, escaping the pocket to make a play... We just get flashed a very good play and several high-shelf NFL type throws every game... It's the good moments that keep my interested but at some point, he's gotta bring everything together and make plays under duress... more consistently anyway.
 
Mr teX said:
We disagree there...he's got about 3 here in this game alone...& he's got several games where he's making off script plays...Usually makes a few game. They just get lost in drives that either stall out or his negative plays.
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Yes, Mills sometimes does slide and adjust to make plays. From the Chicago game, Mills sees/feels the pressure up the middle, slide to his left and delivers to Pharoah Brown (R.I.P) for a 30+ yard play. He isn't a total statue, but would like to see mre pocket maneuverability and ad hoc execution when the pocket breaks down. (10:14)

 
ben.aires.smith said:
That's my take too. Very good arm talent which shows often in a clean pocket. When pocket breaks down, Mills is often useless. Exactly what I was explaining yesterday. He doesn't seem to handle any pressure well to date, be it playing on the road, winning close games, escaping the pocket to make a play... We just get flashed a very good play and several high-shelf NFL type throws every game... It's the good moments that keep my interested but at some point, he's gotta bring everything together and make plays under duress... more consistently anyway.
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The thing of it is, he did it last season. He played more loose last season. He made throws on the run, and even stood in the pocket and made good throws under pressure last season. He showed a lot of confidence last season. As the season went on last season, he showed an improved ability to quickly go through his progressions, and find the right receiver. This season, not so much. I think he is still capable of making those plays, but for some reason, he lacks confidence, and doesn't look like he can make more than one read before dumping the ball to his checkdown.

Why? Why has he regressed?

I have to think it's because of Pep. I mean, why were people complaining about Mills going to his checkdown after one read in training camp? It seemed as if that's what he was being coached to do. Now that we are 4 games into the season, we are still complaining about it. Why? If it wasn't Pep to begin with, why hasn't Pep fixed it? If Pep isn't the problem, he damned sure doesn't look to be the solution.
 
Rich Schmidt said:
Come on guys, let's all get along. One reason we lack talent is we have over $60m in dead money, part cleaning up BOB contracts, DW4 trade, and some NC mistakes. This costs us 5-7 really solid FA starters. NC seems to draft reasonably well. 2022 he is developing young players and finding out what he has in his QB so the next couple of drafts can be planned out. I am just watching for fun this year with little expectation. I will be on Nick's butt next year though if he does not use his $$ and draft capital on making huge strides on fixing the LB's, TE, DL, RB room, and upgrading a WR (hope Metchie comes back as well). So next year is my expectation year. Start Mills, we have been competitive, see what you got, and develop the new young uns. I also want to see if the OL gels with time. You got three 1st's out there, but new guys/coach/scheme. Add OL to my list if they don't gel. Sundays are an excuse to see my kids, drink beer, and eat now, if Texans grace us with a good game, so be it
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The average nfl game is within 1 score. As I've said before, the cap aint real. Dead money doesn't matter. We just witnessed the Rams, with the most dead cap still sign Robinson and Wagner, I'm not saying this is the route the Texans should take, I'm just saying there were young 26 yr old quality players available and the Texans didn't bring them in.
 
leebigeztx said:
The average nfl game is within 1 score. As I've said before, the cap aint real. Dead money doesn't matter. We just witnessed the Rams, with the most dead cap still sign Robinson and Wagner, I'm not saying this is the route the Texans should take, I'm just saying there were young 26 yr old quality players available and the Texans didn't bring them in.
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Allen Robinson looks completely washed-up now. His game was never built on speed and separation, but the psysicality, catch radius he displayed is gone. His career is done.
 
Mills has regressed because he’s not confident in himself or his teammates. Dude is basically playing scared out there. He’s scared to take a hit, that’s why he wasn’t stepping up in the pocket continuously. He’s sailing throws all over the field, mainly on those sideline passes. His confidence in making those throws are just not there. He isn’t going through his progressions consistently. That’s why he’s checking it down. That just shows he doesn’t have any confidence in his offensive line or running backs to pick up the blitz.
 
vtech9 said:
The thing of it is, he did it last season. He played more loose last season. He made throws on the run, and even stood in the pocket and made good throws under pressure last season. He showed a lot of confidence last season. As the season went on last season, he showed an improved ability to quickly go through his progressions, and find the right receiver. This season, not so much. I think he is still capable of making those plays, but for some reason, he lacks confidence, and doesn't look like he can make more than one read before dumping the ball to his checkdown.

Why? Why has he regressed?

I have to think it's because of Pep. I mean, why were people complaining about Mills going to his checkdown after one read in training camp? It seemed as if that's what he was being coached to do. Now that we are 4 games into the season, we are still complaining about it. Why? If it wasn't Pep to begin with, why hasn't Pep fixed it? If Pep isn't the problem, he damned sure doesn't look to be the solution.
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Actually there is a good podcast talking about this. And if he can or can't turn it around. It's not just Mills but also the team. And it has some valid points and some not so valid

podcasts.google.com

Locked On Texans - Daily Podcast On The Houston Texans - Any Hope For The Future: Can Davis Mills revamp his career as the starting QB For the Houston Texans?

On this Wednesday's installment of Locked On Texans, Davis Mills isn't the first nor will he be the last quarterback to struggle through the first 17 games of his NFL career. However, will Mills have a chance to turn his career around as the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans...
podcasts.google.com podcasts.google.com
 
ben.aires.smith said:
Allen Robinson looks completely washed-up now. His game was never built on speed and separation, but the psysicality, catch radius he displayed is gone. His career is done.
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Thats not the point and you could be right, O'm just saying that the salary cap is not real. The Rams rsigned Stafford, gave Donald new money. Gave Wagner money also even while having all the dead cap money from the Goff deal
 
leebigeztx said:
Thats not the point and you could be right, O'm just saying that the salary cap is not real. The Rams rsigned Stafford, gave Donald new money. Gave Wagner money also even while having all the dead cap money from the Goff deal
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Rams dead money only $16M, $12M of that from Robert Woods
 
vtech9 said:
The thing of it is, he did it last season. He played more loose last season. He made throws on the run, and even stood in the pocket and made good throws under pressure last season. He showed a lot of confidence last season. As the season went on last season, he showed an improved ability to quickly go through his progressions, and find the right receiver. This season, not so much. I think he is still capable of making those plays, but for some reason, he lacks confidence, and doesn't look like he can make more than one read before dumping the ball to his checkdown.

Why? Why has he regressed?

I have to think it's because of Pep. I mean, why were people complaining about Mills going to his checkdown after one read in training camp? It seemed as if that's what he was being coached to do. Now that we are 4 games into the season, we are still complaining about it. Why? If it wasn't Pep to begin with, why hasn't Pep fixed it? If Pep isn't the problem, he damned sure doesn't look to be the solution.
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If Pep is putting into place an offense that relies on ball control, than he is part of the problem. Crystal clear that Mills strength is the vertical passing game, so if he's not being used enough in this capacity, Mills won't reach his potential. I would argue Pep should also motion much more than he does, so help avoid a subpar WR core from getting jammed at the line and free run off the snap. IMO, Pep is a contributor to Mills lack of progress this year, and some would say, regression. Real shame Metchie went down and no weapons were added at WR this season.
 
ben.aires.smith said:
Allen Robinson looks completely washed-up now. His game was never built on speed and separation, but the psysicality, catch radius he displayed is gone. His career is done.
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I don't know about that. I think Stafford is just enamored with his boy toy Kupp. Through 4 games Kupp has 54 targets to 18 for Robinson. Hell, Higbee has 38. I'd say that's a bit of a disparity. Is it the game plan? Or is it just Stafford?

In comparison, Mills has targeted Cooks 36 times and Collins and our favorite Cornhusker 21 times each. Hell Chris Moore has almost as many targets as Robinson, 12. I don't think Robinson is washed up, I think something is broken in LA. As it is here in Houston with this offense.
 
Toro Bravo said:
I agree with your conclusions but I would also add that Mills has absolutely zero Moxey or Mojo to make a play when things break down. This is even evident in his press conferences and interviews where he is, frankly, boring. He is a guy who plays within the system and design of the play but doesn't make playground football off script type plays.
I was watching the Chiefs vs Bucs game in week 4 and saw Mahomes make at least 3 such plays, where you just go wow, that all resulted in a TD or first down. I doubt that Mills has made 3 such plays in his career. I don't expect Mills to be Mahomes, but I do expect him to make plays when the game is on the line - that's what good QB's do.
Show me some Fire, Davis!
Click to expand...
How many of these types plays that you're describing did you see Brady make in that game?
 
leebigeztx said:
The average nfl game is within 1 score. As I've said before, the cap aint real. Dead money doesn't matter. We just witnessed the Rams, with the most dead cap still sign Robinson and Wagner, I'm not saying this is the route the Texans should take, I'm just saying there were young 26 yr old quality players available and the Texans didn't bring them in.
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Yeah, dont think quick Nick wants to excel this year, save that $$ for next couple of years
 
Just watched the Bears game for the first time which I recorded because of being out of town that weekend.
Davis did not really play that badly, well except for that ill advised pass at the end of the game, and the best of 'em throw those untimely picks every once in a awhile just as the Rams SB-QB threw that pick 6 v the 49s Monday night, a more egregious error for an NFL QB. And Davis clearly outplayed his counterpart, another QB draft last year but not in the third round but high in the first round instead.
 
Rich Schmidt said:
Yeah, dont think quick Nick wants to excel this year, save that $$ for next couple of years
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You should always add quality, young players who can play out a contract when you can no matter. The Bengals paid DJ Reader coming off a 3 win rebuild season. You should always aim to add quality players. Anyone think the Jags ready to compete? They added a 26 yr old speedy wr. Did they overpay? Time will tell, bu they're giving their young qb a weapon.
 
https://www.reddit.com/r/Texans/comments/xwucgg




At first glance, it doesn't appear so. Mills has been getting a lot of flack for "checking down", especially on this sub. However, through 4 games, Mills ranks 20th in air yards / attempt - just outside the top half of the league at 3.63. The more interesting thing is that this down from 2021 at 4.01.

r/Texans - Is Davis Mills really the check down king? Is it because he has no pocket presence? Let's take a look...
2022 Air Yards per attempt / 3.71 / 3.7 / 3.63 / 3.6
Why? Well, we can speculate. New offense that seems to consider itself a running a team even though they won all their games with Mills last year through the air. One of the more interesting stats is target separation. Target separation is defined as separation for all running backs, wide receivers, and running backs receiving passes beyond the line of scrimmage. The Texans sit at 1.55 or 25th, this is down from 1.65 last year. For context, Herbert and the chargers sit in first at 2.6. So we're getting less creative in our offensive schemes (more predictable) and our receivers aren't getting opened as much - it makes sense that Mills would throw more check downs.

It's because he has no pocket presence and he gets flustered and just checks it down. I mean, maybe? This theory might hold considering Mills' Pressured Completion % is ranked 2nd only behind Stafford and ahead of Mahomes! At 58.3%, he's making completions under pressure. Are they checkdowns? Maybe. If he's under pressure, does it matter besides advancing the ball forward? I'm not sure. However, saying the Mills has no pocket presence I'm not sure is true. If he's feeling pressure, he's still completing passes at almost the best rate in the league.

r/Texans - Is Davis Mills really the check down king? Is it because he has no pocket presence? Let's take a look...
2022 Pressured Completion % / 68.4 / 58.3 / 56.5 / 52.6 (Josh Allen is 27.3)
One of the last things I wanted to look at was this idea that I think Pep is restricting him. They're trying too hard to be a running team. In fact, when they let Mills air it out, Mills has QB1 deep ball numbers at a 40% completion rate for passes over 20 yards. This is good to rank him right at #12.
"Yea, but those balls never mean anything. They're always in low pressure situations". That might be mildly true, but Fantasydata.com keeps track of "Money ball" throws or a pass requiring exceptional skill or athleticism as well as critical throws executed in clutch moments. Mills comes in at #8.

r/Texans - Is Davis Mills really the check down king? Is it because he has no pocket presence? Let's take a look...

Cool, so what's your point?
  • Mills isn't the check down king, don't let your eyes deceive you.
  • Pep is holding Mills back, let the guy air it out and get the passing game going - we've all seen Mills when he pushes and gets a rhythm going.
  • His receivers aren't getting separation - in fact, they're in the bottom 7.
  • Mills makes competent throws under pressure.
  • This Texans team is a mess. Mills has his weaknesses, but the team around him isn't helping.
  • Oh, Texans are tied for 9th in dropped passes at 9. We had 14 the entire 2021 season.
Is Mills perfect? No. He does have accuracy issues under 20 yards that needs to be resolved, but putting the weight of this 0-3-1 start on him doesn't seem accurate.
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Interesting conclusions here:

  • Mills isn't the check down king, don't let your eyes deceive you.
  • Pep is holding Mills back, let the guy air it out and get the passing game going - we've all seen Mills when he pushes and gets a rhythm going.
  • His receivers aren't getting separation - in fact, they're in the bottom 7.
  • Mills makes competent throws under pressure.
  • This Texans team is a mess. Mills has his weaknesses, but the team around him isn't helping.
  • Oh, Texans are tied for 9th in dropped passes at 9. We had 14 the entire 2021 season.
All I know is when I see arm talent, and Mills has that. What he doesn't have are some of the intangibles, clutchness and consistency to go along with that. I suspect Pep Hamilton is part of the problem, which we can all see from the short yardage offense for example, in personnel grouping and predictability. To what degree it is unclear to me. I really hope we can see progress because Mills stepping up would be the best thing for this franchise to address multiple needs across DE (edge rusher), OLB/ILB, DT, backup RB, TE, WR. Upgrades needed everywhere.
 
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Teams not in the playoffs do not typically possess a QB1 who's a clutch player b/c the team around him doesn't perform at a clutch level. The majority of clutch QB's are enjoying the playoffs b/c the team and his weapons give him a much better chance at being clutch.

Mills and the Texans just aren't there yet. Seeing this team remain competitive while keeping games close is a reward in itself. There will be some wins in 2022, but they're making a nice step in staying on the hip of opposing teams.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
Teams not in the playoffs do not typically possess a QB1 who's a clutch player b/c the team around him doesn't perform at a clutch level. The majority of clutch QB's are enjoying the playoffs b/c the team and his weapons give him a much better chance at being clutch.

Mills and the Texans just aren't there yet. Seeing this team remain competitive while keeping games close is a reward in itself. There will be some wins in 2022, but they're making a nice step in staying on the hip of opposing teams.
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Hopefully this means Caserio will spend 3-4of the rd 1-3 picks upgrading the skill position players. Then you bring in a vet QB to compete with Mills in the 2023 season and if Mills isn't the guy then draft your QB in the 2024 draft. Then you will have high level skill position guys for the young QB to work with for 4-5 yrs and maybe more.
 
steelbtexan said:
Hopefully this means Caserio will spend 3-4of the rd 1-3 picks upgrading the skill position players. Then you bring in a vet QB to compete with Mills in the 2023 season and if Mills isn't the guy then draft your QB in the 2024 draft. Then you will have high level skill position guys for the young QB to work with for 4-5 yrs and maybe more.
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Mills is in the second year of a four year contract. I wouldn’t mind at all signing a Cooper Rush to compete with him next season. Then loading up on the skill positions and seeing if he improves enough to warrant getting a second starter contract.

If Rush beats him out then we’ve got a competent backup and know we likely need to get the shiny first round QB and start the clock on a contending window.

If Mills thrives then consider the clock started and use the pick(s) used on said shiny first round QB to further strengthen the roster.

But no matter who is at QB they need weapons. Just look at what upgrading the weapons did for Tua/Hurts so far. I’m interested to see how Bridgewater performs with those weapons in Miami while Tua is out.
 
TheRealJoker said:
But no matter who is at QB they need weapons. Just look at what upgrading the weapons did for Tua/Hurts so far. I’m interested to see how Bridgewater performs with those weapons in Miami while Tua is out.
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yards,

Don't forget the how important Ja'marr Chase was to Cincinnati's success as well. Bengals went from a 4-11-1 in 2020 to 10-7 and making the Super Bowl last year. The biggest variable in that equation by far: Ja'marr drafted 5th overall producing 81 catches, 1,455 yards receiving, 13 TDs and giving Cincy a legitimate WR1 option to go along with Higgins, who is more a #2 WR. Joe Burrows' passer rating improved 18.5 points and he became elite.
 
76Texan said:
On the other hand, Trubisky had 13 college starts (2 of them against Div 2) and he was thrown to the wolf his rookie year.
He didn't get much sympathy (except from the homers). :)
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as he shouldnt have as a top 3 pick….…you get picked that high you’re expected to come out the gate balling.
 
76Texan said:
Once you're in the second year, no more babysitting.
All gloves are off.
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LMAO, How about giving him a full season, then make a decision. How many QB's have been great at the start of their 2nd yr. It's like some posters aren't willing to go through the growing pains most young QB's have. What's their solution? Draft another young QB even though this isn't a good QB class. IMHO

You cant make this stuff up LMAO, BTW, do you trust a Lovie Smith coached team to develop a QB? History says you shouldn't.
 
steelbtexan said:
LMAO, How about giving him a full season, then make a decision. How many QB's have been great at the start of their 2nd yr. It's like some posters aren't willing to go through the growing pains most young QB's have. What's their solution? Draft another young QB even though this isn't a good QB class. IMHO

You cant make this stuff up LMAO, BTW, do you trust a Lovie Smith coached team to develop a QB? History says you shouldn't.
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Brother Steel you’re funny. Lmao. Just like I told you Tom Savage wasn’t the guy. Mills isn’t the guy either. Another thing aren’t you the same guy who always say who is trash way before they even make it to the NFL.
 
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Texansballer74 said:
Brother Steel your funny. Lmao. Just like I told you Tom Savage wasn’t the guy. Mills isn’t the guy either. Another thing aren’t you the same guy who always say who is trash way before they even make it to the NFL.
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I'm not saying Mills is the guy. I just want to give him a full season before making this decision and if he isn't I still dont want to draft a QB next draft. I want to bring in a vet to compete with Mills and draft one of Williams/Ewers/Maye in 2024. I'm saying I want no part of the 2023 QB draft class.
 
steelbtexan said:
I'm not saying Mills is the guy. I just want to give him a full season before making this decision and if he isn't I still dont want to draft a QB next draft. I want to bring in a vet to compete with Mills and draft one of Williams/Ewers/Maye in 2024. I'm saying I want no part of the 2023 QB draft class.
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It doesn’t take a full season. And why not shouldn’t you give them a full season in the NFL before making that claim?
 
Texansballer74 said:
It doesn’t take a full season. And why not shouldn’t you give them a full season in the NFL before making that claim?
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So are we going to start treating Lawrence/Fields/Jones and Lance with this same microscope? How about if they draft Stroud Young Levis? How much time do you give them before you come to this conclusion? I'm thinking 10 starts, because that's when some started to sour on Mills. I'm not saying Mills is the guy either.
 
steelbtexan said:
I'm also talking about the guys that have been successful. Under your way of thinking Hurts wouldn't have been the guy either after 10 starts.
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Dude he’s regressed big time. Man can y’all stop try validate his piss poor play with this nonsense about 10 starts. If that’s the case the Texans should’ve drafted him.
 
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steelbtexan said:
LMAO, How about giving him a full season, then make a decision. How many QB's have been great at the start of their 2nd yr. It's like some posters aren't willing to go through the growing pains most young QB's have. What's their solution? Draft another young QB even though this isn't a good QB class. IMHO

You cant make this stuff up LMAO, BTW, do you trust a Lovie Smith coached team to develop a QB? History says you shouldn't.
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Good?
You said good?
Who says anything about good.
I was talking about the gloves coming off.

FYI, guys like Mike Glennon and Gardner Minshew weren't babysat even in their rookie year.
What about Prescott?
 
76Texan said:
Good?
You said good?
Who says anything about good.
I was talking about the gloves coming off.

FYI, guys like Mike Glennon and Gardner Minshew weren't babysat even in their rookie year.
What about Prescott?
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He’s using the amount of games excuse. So I guess that doesn’t apply to those you just mentioned.
 
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steelbtexan said:
So it's on Caserio that Metchie got cancer and there weren't enough draft picks to fill all of the holes. Did you not like Caserio's 1st full draft?
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Weren't you one of the peeps who said it doesn't take long for a rebuild?

And Nick Caserio had the extra picks to make up for last year already.

The way you and Mr Tex were arguing, the Texans should be able to win between 6-8 games this year.

I'm cautiously optimistic about some of the guys, but we haven't seen them play against the top ten teams yet.
 
76Texan said:
Funny you said this.

You already knew Mills is a lost cause under Lovie, yet you still want to wait for a full year. :brando:
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Does it really matter at this point? No of course it doesn’t. Gotta let the year play out with Mills. Maybe he finds something and he’s your back up. You could yank him tomorrow and we’re not winning many more if any games with Allen. If this is about being right on a 3rd round flyer guy not being “the guy” congrats, I was there also but I know where we’re at. Stuck in neutral waiting for someone to put the tires back on.
 
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