Texans 'Excited To See' QB C.J. Stroud and WR Nico Collins Develop
The Houston Texans trailed 28-10 at the end of the first half against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday and outscored their AFC North Division rival 10-3 in the second, ultimately losing 31-20.
With teams in the state the Texans find themselves, one of building for the future more than winning for the now, little things like bouncing back the way they did in Week 2 are important.
Within that bounceback half came a career day for Houston receiver Nico Collins who had his first 100-yard receiving day in the NFL, and caught his first touchdown from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
"It was exciting to see the game that Nico had," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "He's doing the work, and it's showing on the field. He and C.J. are building a really good connection, and we're excited to see that continue to grow."
Not only did Collins notch a career-high game in yards, but he also eclipsed his previous ceiling for catches with seven, and it's the first time he had more than four against Indianapolis in his brief three-year career.
Coming out of Michigan, there's a day not long ago when Collins and his quarterback would have been enemies.
Now, they're looking to team up with other young stars like running back Dameon Pierce and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. - among others - to bring Houston back to NFL relevancy.
"I thought C.J. did a really good job managing the offense," Ryans said of his quarterback. "C.J. does that every week. He just built on what he did last week, continued to put the ball where we need it, make good decisions with the football. So, I'm encouraged by C.J.'s play, and he got better this week."
Getting better is what this season is all about as most expect the Texans to be near the bottom of the NFL standings by the end of the regular season.
Even if that happens, the foundation laid within those low expectations could prove to be a catalyst for future winning seasons. Especially if Stroud and Collins continue to build on their obvious chemistry.
In two career games, Stroud has a 63 percent completion rate and has thrown for 240 yards or more in each.
Week 2 saw his first and second touchdown throws of his career, and he's yet to throw an interception in the NFL.
Positive signs of potential for the future, led by a Buckeye and a Wolverine in the great city of Houston.
