The Houston Texans got off to a great start turning Washington three-and-out on the game’s opening series Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium.
However, Week 11 had little optimism for Houston as quarterback Davis Mills threw an interception returned for a touchdown on the offense’s second play of the series. Cornerback Kendall Fuller undercut a 2-yard quick out to receiver Brandin Cooks and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown.
Quarterback Davis Mills gave credit where it was due.
“Good play by the defender,” Mills told reporters after the 23-10 loss that sent Houston to 1-8-1 on the year. “Might have left the ball a hair inside, and he had a really good jump on it and ended up getting away and making a good play.”
The pick-six was the first touchdown of Fuller’s seven-year career, and he cited preparation as one of the reasons he was able to pull off the scoring takeaway.
“I mean, just being able to study, being prepared, understanding the different concepts that they were going to try to run against us,” said Fuller. “And after that, it was just, you know, playing with good eyes, making the play on the ball and it was only 30 or 40 yards to go. Just getting into the end zone.”
Mills had a forgetful day, completing 19 passes on 33 attempts for 169 yards and two interceptions. The second-year signal caller was responsible for Houston’s lone touchdown of the game as he scrambled for four yards late in the fourth quarter with the game well in hand for Washington.
“Not many emotions after the [interception],” Mills said. “Got to flush it really fast and go back out there because you’re about to get the ball right back.”
The Texans will have to flush their loss to Washington as they go on the road in Week 12 to take on the 7-3 Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.