It isn’t a Stanford term, but it is a lesson that Davis Mills learned from a young age: can’t go broke taking a profit.
The rookie quarterback used this mindset when he took on the Seattle Seahawks Sunday afternoon in Week 14 at NRG Stadium. Although the Houston Texans fell short 33-13, Mills wasn’t the problem going 33-of-49 for 331 yards and a touchdown.
The third-rounder was taking what the defense gave him, and not trying to force passes downfield that may cost them the possession.
“A lot of it is just taking what the defense gives to you,” Mills said. “They were playing with a lot of depth in the defense and the check downs were there. You can’t go broke taking a profit, so I felt like we could move the ball down the field like that.”
The Texans only had one three-and-out the entire game. Houston’s offense also generated 380 yard of total offense, making it the first time since Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams that the Texans had over 300 yards total offense.
“Just got to find completions out there on the field,” said Mills. “They always say that about finding the running backs out in the backfield, checking it down. If you’re gaining yards by throwing check downs, you can keep moving the ball that way.”
The Seahawks were able to produce 453 yards of total offense, and it was due to big plays, an element that is lacking from Houston’s offense. So long as they can combine Mills’ mindset of always taking a profit with also providing playmakers on offense, the Texans should be able to compete in 2022.