Texans DeMeco Ryans: What’s Coach Really Think on Davis Mills vs. QBs Young & Stroud?
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HOUSTON — One day after leading the Houston Texans to a 32-31 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Davis Mills expressed his desire to return for his third season as the team's starting quarterback.
And following the introductory press conference for new coach DeMeco Ryans, Mills may have a chance to retain his job.
"We understand we have one quarterback here on our roster, and we have to add more to that position," Ryans said. "The quarterback is one piece."
Ryans understands the significance of having a quality quarterback. But along with alluding to the idea of adding to the position group, he acknowledged the importance of building around the quarterback as the most important attribute.
As the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, Ryans used his first-hand experience to illustrate how a team can be successful without having "that one guy" under center.
Ryans said all quarterbacks need a great offensive line, weapons at each skill position, defense and special team unit.
"We all play together," Ryans said. "That's the awesome part about football is it's not on one guy's shoulders to go out there and win the game for us. It's all about building around each other and playing together. That's how we'll win games."
"Everything about our offense, we want to make sure that we're adaptable to the players that we have, making sure we're playing to the strengths of our players, getting the ball in our playmakers' hands and letting them make plays."
The Texans have the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft and may want to select quarterback prospects C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young on April 27.
A selection of either player will mark the (eventual) end of Mills' tenure as Houston's starting quarterback. But Ryans' statements did not depict a team determined to move on from Mills.
CEO Cal McNair applauded Ryans as a coach who can develop young talent. And perhaps, McNair and the Texans believe Mills will benefit from learning and playing under Ryans.
"We have a young team, we have a fine young coach here that believes in developing young guys," McNair said. "That's one of the things we talked about, he embraces developing young talent. That's what he did in San Fran, and that's what we're looking forward to him doing here."
Mills finished his sophomore campaign on a high note on Jan. 8. He led the Texans to a Week 18 win over the Colts by throwing for 298 yards while going 22-for-38 and three touchdowns.
Mills recorded his first career game-winning drive. In the final 2 minutes and 43 seconds, the Texans recorded 83 yards in 14 plays that ended with Mills connecting with tight end Jordan Akins for a game-winning 28-yard touchdown.
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