EVERY-THING SPORTS

Here's what the Houston Texans must avoid at all costs heading into next season

Here's what the Houston Texans must avoid at all costs heading into next season
Moving on from Davis Mills would be best for both parties involved. Composite image by Jack Brame.

The Texans have secured the number two overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft coming up in April. Fans and some media members are upset that they “failed to lose” and secure the number one overall pick. The only thing they “lost” was the ability to control each round by picking first. The need for a franchise quarterback didn't vanish. The reason the Texans require a franchise quarterback is that the guy they tried to give a shot to didn't take the reins of the job. Davis Mills thinks otherwise:

Mr. Mills, have several seats sir! Not only do I not want Mills back as the potential starter or competition for the incoming rookie, but I also don't want him around as the backup! A better idea is to get rid of him and find a veteran who can mentor the rookie. What will Mills offer him? How to skip a seven-yard out route? How to complete a post flag throw to the strength coach on the bench?

Seriously, Mills has not shown the ability to be a competent NFL quarterback on a regular basis. Did he have a talent deficiency around him? Yes. He also failed to instill any confidence in his abilities. Why else would Jeff Driskel, the guy they moved to tight end then back to quarterback, get playing time? I saw one too many skipped passes and overthrows for me to feel confident in him moving forward. His completion percentage dropped almost six percent from his rookie year to last year (66.8% to 61%). Quarterbacks nowadays need to hover around 65% or better to be considered good.

I know this opinion will upset some Mills truthers who believe this guy should get a fair shake. Truth is, no one gets a fair shake in the NFL. Things will go wrong. Injuries will happen. Talent and God-given abilities will fade. Organizations will be poorly run. The one constant in all those situations: talent will prevail. If you're good at football, that'll stick out in a sea of sore thumbs. Mills looks like any old average quarterback a team can draft late or sign off the street.

The number two overall pick will more than likely be the team's next franchise quarterback. He will need all the help and support to make him successful. I suggest bringing in a vet who has experience in the new offensive coordinator's system. That way, the rookie will have a guy in the room that can help him learn the offense, and the team will have a guy that can run said offense should the rookie get hurt. Let Mills go find another team that he can compete for the backup role on. I don't see a future here in Houston, and I pray that the Texans feel the same way.

houston texansnfltexans

Most Popular

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome

Listen Live

ESPN Houston 97.5 FM
CultureMap's signature event The Tailgate (shown here in 2023) is coming back for 2024. Photo by Marco Torres / @MarcoFromHouston

CultureMap is gearing up for the exciting return of The Tailgate, our all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit.

For the event’s third year, we’re partying in EaDo at 8th Wonder. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11, and tickets are already on sale.

Attendees can look forward to sports-inspired bites from some of their favorite Houston restaurants, premium cocktails, memorabilia from Texas legends, and plenty more game-day fun.

Popular Houston restaurants and chefs will create tailgate-inspired dishes for attendees to sample and vote for their favorite. Participants include:

  • 1891 American Eatery & Bar
  • Big City Wings
  • Comfort Foodies
  • The Halal Guys
  • J Bar M
  • Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition
  • Kokoro
  • Layne's Chicken Fingers
  • Loro
  • Mainely Sandwiches
  • Pizaro's Pizza
  • Ramen Tatsu-Ya
  • Saint Arnold Brewing Company
  • Southern Jerks
  • Stuff'd Wings
  • Taste Kitchen + Bar
  • Thai Tail
  • The Waffle Bus
  • Uchi
  • Uchiko Houston

Attendees can look forward to food from favorite Houston restaurants and premium cocktails.Photo by Marco Torres / @MarcoFromHouston

Following up on the success of last year’s Ultimate Sports Bar Showdown, we’ll soon be asking readers to vote for their favorite wing joint of 2024. Our editors have put together a list of 16 candidates that will go head-to-head in a bracket-style tournament we're calling the Ultimate Wing Showdown. Your winner will be revealed at the party.

The event will also shine a spotlight on local sports organizations, including the Texans, which will raffle off a CJ Stroud-signed White Panel Football. The Astros will show off their Shooting Stars dancers as well as the 2017 and 2022 World Series Trophies, and their Shuttle Crew team will bring prizes. Houston soccer stars the Dynamo and Dash will raffle team-signed jerseys.

Attendees can expect more fun, games, and prizes courtesy of our event sponsors and local vendors, including Verizon, HOWDY, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Houston Powder Coaters, Holey Moley Golf Club, Mizzen+Main, Shipley Do-nuts, and more.

Fan favorite Astros broadcaster Julia Morales will be there with her cult favorite apparel line, Shop Baseball, Y'all.

We'll keep you up to date on all things Tailgate-related in a special editorial series of stories leading up to the event.

A limited number of Early Bird tickets are on sale now at discounted rates of $35 for general admission (regularly $50) and $60 for VIP (regularly $75).

All tickets include bites by participating restaurants, complimentary premium beverages, and access to fun activities throughout the event. VIP tickets come with one-hour early entry, access to a dedicated VIP bar, an exclusive meet-and-greet with one of Houston's top athletes, and more perks for an elevated experience.

Head here to buy your tickets now.

---

The Tailgate is sponsored by Verizon, HOWDY, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Houston Powder Coaters, Holey Moley Golf Club, Mizzen+Main, Shipley Do-nuts and more to be announced.

culturemapdrinksfoodhoustonpartysports bashtailgate

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome