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DJ Bien-AimeESPN
HOUSTON — In hot and humid training camps, the Houston Astros practice for the Houston TexansIt was obvious that there was a connection developing between quarterbacks Davis Mills Wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
Mills is thrilled to share the result with the world.
“When you have Brandin lined up out there, especially if he gets one-on-one, there’s not really anybody in the league who is going to be able to match up with him,” Mills told ESPN. “His speed and his ability to start and stop is at such a high level. You always can go there and count on him getting open.”
Cooks had 1,037 yards and six touchdowns last season, playing in 16 of the Texans’ 17 matches. Cooks also had a record in targets (134) and receptions (90), which was a new career record.
And even though Cooks was held out of the team’s three preseason games, the chemistry that was displayed throughout camp is a reason why new coach Lovie Smith is confident in what the Texans’ passing attack will look like.
“It’s good excitement that I have about where we are offensively. … The chemistry that I’ve seen throughout, it’s been really good,” Smith said a day after Thursday’s preseason finale. “They like playing together, and that’s gonna lead to positive results.”
Week 1 against The Indianapolis Colts (1 p.m. ET on Sept. 11, CBSThis potential connection will be demonstrated at NRG Stadium for the first time. Their chemistry could lead to Cooks’ 7th 1,000-yard receiving season, and Mills’ big leap in Year 2.
They are not content as they challenge each other on and off the field.
Cooks and Mills sometimes text at night to talk about ways to attack defenses. Cooks will often lean on Mills’ observations when he runs specific routes against certain coverage.
Pep Hamilton, the offensive coordinator, may introduce a new approach to the passing attack at other times. The two will discuss how best to execute these plays before they practice the next day.
“The communication is huge, especially post-practice, watching the film together in the offensive room,” Cooks told ESPN. “Being able to get feedback on what he wants or what I’m looking for.”
The growth of the chemistry stems back to last season in Mills’ rookie year, when he threw for 2,664 yards, 16 touchdowns and produced a passer rating of 88 in 11 starts.
Mills was appointed to the position after being fired. Tyrod TaylorIn a Week 2 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles,, suffered a hamstring strain. Cleveland Browns. Mills played the six next games before Taylor, who returned in Week 9, against the Miami Dolphins.
Taylor played the next four games. being benched Houston’s Week 13 loss against the Colts was in the third quarter. However, he did manage to tweak his wrist during the game.
Mills assumed the role for the rest, as David Culley, former Texans coach, believed Mills would give the club “the best opportunity to win.”
Culley gave Mills his confidence vote and Cooks was at a crossroads.
The first quarter ended at 10:26 Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15, and the Texans facing third-and-5 on the Jaguars’ 47-yard line, the Jaguars were ready to send extra heat at Mills.
Mills’s departure brought about a defensive end Dawuane Smoot Mills came in as a free rusher and was able to pass Cooks off on a slant route, before Cooks could turn around.
Cooks was hit with the pass for a 6-yard gain, and a first down.
Seems minuscule, but in Mills’ eyes, it did wonders internally.
“I knew exactly where he was gonna be, and he was expecting the ball out of his cut,” Mills said. “When you have trust in somebody that they’re going to be in the right spot at the right time, and they trust you to put the ball out there, it’s tough to stop. … It really boosts your confidence knowing that you got a playmaker like that on the edge that’s gonna win his job on every play.”
Six plays later Mills hit Cooks to score a 22-yard touchdown on a third down.
Cooks had 7 catches for 102 yards, 2 touchdowns and the Texans completed a sweep of the Jaguars.
According to Next Gen Stats., the duo achieved a passer rating (125) and four touchdowns on third downs in their last season.
Their connection through camp was best summed up during Monday practice after their second preseason match against the Los Angeles Rams.
Mills did a play-action fake during team drills. Cooks sprint off the line in pursuit of rookie cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. was the No. 3 overall pick in April, and quickly cut outwards at 10 yards, which turned Stingley’s hips.
In a quick instance, Cooks cut up-field to create separation down the sideline, and before Cooks could finish his cut, Mills floated a deep pass that landed in Cooks’ bread basket for a 40-yard gain.
The duo’s chemistry was established in 2021. They hope to continue this trend in 2022.
“We’re obviously thinking perfection,” Cooks said. “Will we get it? I don’t know, but that’s what we’re striving for.”