The Houston Texans are in a tight spot as their season continues to unravel following a series of poor performances, none more glaring than the recent loss to the New England Patriots. The team's struggles have placed a spotlight on C.J. Stroud, the Texans' starting quarterback, who has been plagued by a string of interceptions and turnover mistakes. This performance has left many wondering about the reliability of the Texans' backup quarterback, Davis Mills.
C.J. Stroud, who has been a key figure for the Texans, has had a particularly rough outing in recent games. During the game against the Patriots, Stroud threw an astonishing four interceptions in the first half, a performance that was described as "disastrous" and "turnover-laden" by multiple sources . The Patriots capitalized on these mistakes, with Marcus Jones returning one of Stroud's interceptions for a touchdown. This cost the Texans dearly, resulting in a 28-16 loss to the Patriots in a game that saw numerous turnovers . The Texans' offensive struggles were evident, and it's clear that Stroud's error-prone play is a significant concern for the team moving forward.
With Stroud's performance under scrutiny, many are looking at the Texans' backup quarterback situation. Davis Mills, who has been Stroud's backup, stepped into the spotlight when Stroud was injured in the past. Mills has shown promise and has had his moments, but he remains a backup for a reason. Mills took over for Stroud in a game against the New York Jets, where Stroud suffered a concussion, and delivered a solid performance. However, his role as a backup is a testament to the team's belief in Stroud as the starter .
Mills has been a reliable option for the Texans, and he has been rewarded with a one-year, $7 million contract extension, ensuring he remains with the team through the 2026 season. This move suggests the Texans' confidence in Mills as a capable backup, but the question remains whether he can step up effectively if Stroud continues to struggle or gets injured .
Despite Mills' contract, the Texans' quarterback situation remains precarious. If Stroud's play doesn't improve, the team may need to consider other options. The Texans' leadership, including head coach DeMeco Ryans, will be closely watching Stroud's performance in the coming weeks. As the season progresses, the Texans will need to rely on their depth and versatility to navigate the challenges ahead, with Mills standing ready to fill in if necessary. Mills’ experience and resilience are crucial in maintaining the Texans' competitive edge, especially as they navigate a season fraught with adversity and uncertainty.
