Houston Texans’ rookie quarterback Davis Mills did not have a great outing against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, and for the first time this season, the Stanford prodigy was outplayed by his 2021 draft mate.
Trey Lance received his first career victory as the starting quarterback for the 49ers by completing 69.5 percent of his pass attempts for 249 yards and two passing touchdowns — amid a 23-7 victory over the Texans at Levi’s Stadium.
Mills, who threw for 163 yards with a touchdown and interception, said despite his diminished play, he will benefit from his subpar performance in the Bay Area as he continues his development.
“I feel like I definitely got more experience today and was able to see some of their looks that maybe I started my eyes in the wrong place in a progression,” Mills said. “Based on their defensive looks, I’ll be able to anticipate that next time I see a similar look from another defense.”
Mills credited the Niners’ ability to apply pressure for his struggles and said San Francisco’s defense did a good job keeping the ball in front of them.
On his lone interception, Mills said he thought he had an opened Chris Conley in San Francisco’s zone coverage but did not notice defensive back Mac Harris, who recorded the pick, was too tight in coverage.
“When you get in the game early, you tend to force things, but to see his growth over these weeks and to take what’s given and not try to force things is huge,” wide receiver Brandin Cooks said. “Take what the defense gives you, and I think he’s been doing a great job at that. We threw a pick today, but I think his response was great.”
“It’s just unfortunate we couldn’t come up and make some more plays from everywhere else around him.”
After putting together a series of solid performances since taking over for Tyrod Taylor as the Texans’ starting quarterback, bouncing back from a deficient game will be the next task for Mills. It’s an objective Mills will have an opportunity to answer on Sunday, during the Texans’ season finale against the 11-5 Tennessee Titans.