Tag: Texans receiver

WATCH: Texans QB C.J. Stroud hits WR Tank Dell deep against the Jaguars

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with receiver Tank Dell for a deep ball in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Sooner or later, the Houston Texans knew that C.J. Stroud to Tank Dell would be a deep connection.

The potential was realized with 8:47 to go in the first quarter of Week 3 Sunday afternoon at TIAA Bank Field against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Stroud hit Dell for a 46-yard pass down to the Jacksonville 2-yard line.

The deep connection allowed the Texans to take a commanding 7-0 lead following running back Dameon Pierce rushing for a touchdown two plays later.

Stroud and Dell focused on their cohesion given they were both rookies selected in the 2023 NFL draft. The franchise’s expectations ride upon Stroud as the No. 3 overall pick, and Dell, a former Houston Cougar, entered the league as a fan favorite.

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Texans WR Nico Collins says he ‘has a lot more left in the tank’

Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins says that he still has more to showcase as the 2023 season enters Week 3.

HOUSTON — During Houston Texans training camp, one of the tandems the media members and fans in attendance wanted to connect was rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and third-year wide receiver Nico Collins. It was a rough beginning as the two seemed like they could not get on the same page, which is to be expected since they were getting to know each other’s tendencies.

One day, they would look like they had played together for years, while other days, the tandem would talk extensively while the second team took reps about how they could develop more continuity. As time went on, the former Big 10 players (Stroud-Ohio State, Collins-Michigan) began to create the chemistry with each other that had been evident throughout the first two weeks of the season.

On Sunday, the connection worked well as Collins finished the day with a career-high 146 yards receiving on seven catches and a touchdown. He has amassed 226 yards receiving (113 yards per game) on 13 receptions, which ranks him fifth amongst all NFL receivers. He has been an effective target across the middle for Stroud early this season as the chemistry continues to build between the two.

If Collins gets 100-plus yards receiving on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he will record his second consecutive 100-yard receiving game, making him the first Texans receiver since Brandin Cooks in 2021 to accomplish this feat.

“I already knew what he could do,” said Stroud after Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts. “I watched a couple of games last year, and he was always open. And, if he wasn’t, he was going to make a tough catch. With the type of receiver, just give him a shot, give him a chance, and he’ll make the play. It’s really fun working with a guy like that. He works really, really hard. These were little glimpses of what is to come, and I think it’s just more and more success, from not only me and him but really this whole offense. I think that we’ll just keep growing.”

The former University of Michigan wide receiver is trying to prove that the Texans did not waste a draft pick on him in the 2021 NFL draft. His first two seasons with the team were filled with injuries, and he could only compete in 24 games. With a new offensive coordinator and scheme for the Texans, Collins knew that he could be an explosive weapon in an offense predicated on getting wide receivers into open spaces to make plays.

“I been knew what I had in me,” Collins said exclusively to the Texans Wire about his performance this season. “This isn’t the last, it is a long season, and I have a lot more left in the tank. We are going to keep climbing. I am chasing details and just want to stay healthy and be available for this team because it is some “dawgs” on that field.”

Collins isn’t hard to miss on the offensive side of the ball at 6-foot-4. He has learned to use his stature and frame to make himself a big target for Stroud, similar to what he had last season at Ohio State with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is 6-foot-3.

“I put my body on the line to continue to move the chains,” Collins responded when asked about using his body to create space in the secondary. “It is mine over matter. It is either my ball or nobody’s ball. I just want to be available and be in spots for seven [Stroud]. He is going to put it there and dice them up. You just got to make that play when your opportunity comes.”

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Has Texans OC Bobby Slowik cracked code on how to use WR Nico Collins?

Nico Collins had a career game against the Indianapolis Colts. Has Houston Texans OC Bobby Slowik figured out how to use the receiver?

Nico Collins had a career day against the Indianapolis Colts despite the Houston Texans’ 31-20 loss in Week 2.

The former 2021 third-rounder had seven catches for 146 yards, both career highs, while hauling in a touchdown. Even Collins’ 20.86 yards per reception were the fourth-most of his career.

Some evidence of a breakout was even hinted at in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. Collins only had 80 yards, but his six catches tied a previous career-high.

With Collins’ emerging production, it appears offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has found a way to get the former Michigan product involved more in the passing game.

According to Doug Farrar from the Touchdown Wire, Collins was one of his “secret superstars” from Week 2, and part of how the wideout was able to meet his potential was due to how Slowik used him.

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik clearly understood that the way through the Indianapolis Colts’ frequent use of Cover-3 was to have Collins run short and intermediate routes with in-breakers, and this worked over and over again. This 32-yard play, in which 26 yards came after the catch, was just one example.

The promise with Collins’ 6-4, 215-pound frame has been there as a red zone threat. However, heading into the 2023 season, there was little to show as a receiving threat.

So far, Slowik has found a way to get Collins to ball, and the furtherance of such a trend only solidifies the 24-year-old as the offense’s top receiving threat going forward.

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WATCH: Texans WR Tank Dell scores first career touchdown

Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell scored his first career touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.

Houston Texans rookie Tank Dell wanted the organization to come get him after his finished his collegiate career with the Houston Cougars.

The organization made good on Dell’s request, and the third-round receiver made good on his production through Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts.

On a first-and-10 from the Colts’ 23-yard line with 9:54 to go in the fourth quarter, Dell caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from fellow rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters Sept. 13 that Dell would see more snaps with the offense against the Colts.

“You’ll see Tank get more snaps, but Tank has done a good job with what he’s been given,” said Ryans. “He’s made plays for us and we expect to see the same thing this Sunday.”

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Texans WR Tank Dell embracing possibilities in Week 2 against the Colts

Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell says he is looking forward to having more opportunities on offense in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts.

HOUSTON — If you spend time around Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Nathaniel “Tank” Dell talking football with him, you quickly realize that he has genuine love and passion for the game and is willing to do whatever it takes to win.

Oh, and I must mention that he is super competitive and has the drive and determination to be the best at whatever he does. It fuels him. It keeps him on the practice field, getting in extra reps with teammates such as wide receiver John Metchie for route running techniques and defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. for defeating the opposing team’s defenses.

So, as he sat throughout the first quarter of the regular season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, Dell paced on the sidelines waiting for his opportunity to get his first action of his NFL career. The former University of Houston standout caught his first pass with 1:08 left in the second quarter, a comeback route from fellow rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud on 3 and 7 to help move the chains and produce a field goal before the end of the half.

Dell finished the day with three catches for 34 yards, but his athleticism was displayed as he averaged 11.3 yards per catch. That type of production did not go unnoticed by offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, and his job to get Dell involved in the offense this week against the Indianapolis Colts became more straightforward this week with wide receiver Noah Brown being placed on the injured reserve list with a groin injury that will cause him to miss up to four games.

“Yeah, we have four receivers we feel really good about, and we want to make sure that when we have those four receivers, we put them in the right position,” Slowik said when asked about the limited action for Dell against the Ravens. “Like I’ve been saying, they’re in a great position to do what they do best and succeed, and we feel like we did that with Tank [Dell] in the gameplan, and then now that we’re down one of those, obviously we need people to step up.”

“Next man up in the wide receiver room there, but Tank will always his [opportunities] every week, every week that he’s available, he’ll be in. He grinds, he does everything, he does [special] teams also. He definitely will be a factor.”

Slowik and Dell have been on the same page heading into the home opener against the Colts this week. With Brown out for an extended period, Dell will have his number called and be a very efficient outlet for Stroud, something he is prepared for.

“I am very excited,” Dell told the Texans Wire about more reps. “Like I have said before, ‘If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.’ I think I have been preparing well, but not only me, ‘X’ [Xavier Hutchinson] will be out there more. ‘Metch’ [John Metchie III] is back, so he will be out there as well. All of us is going to get the chance to go out there and ball. It is going to be fun.”

Despite the limited time on the field against the Ravens, Dell was still excited to play in his first regular season game as an NFL player.

“It is what I dreamed of my whole life,” said Dell with a massive smile. “I felt like I was built for it too. It was a blessing. It was fun to get out there and get my feet wet for the first time under a great coaching staff and just have fun.”

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Texans work out TE Anthony Firkser, RB Darrel Williams among others

The Houston Texans worked out former Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Firksey among others as Week 2 kicks off.

With a commitment to constant improvement comes continuous pursuit of bettering the roster. One of the ways the Houston Texans can upgrade their roster and practice squad is by taking a look at available talent not currently with any NFL team.

The Texans held workouts for six players Friday. There was a theme of skill positions involved as the Texans worked out two tight ends, two running backs, a receiver, and a quarterback.

Here is a look at the six veterans the Texans took a look at as part of their workouts.

Texans WR John Metchie remains patient as NFL debut nears

Houston Texans receiver John Metchie has been a paragon of patience in his short yet eventful time in the NFL.

If patience is a virtue, John Metchie could be approaching sainthood.

The Houston Texans receiver was already on target for a delayed debut in the NFL in his rookie season. The former 2022 second-round receiver was recovering from a torn ACL sustained in early December 2021, which was still keeping him out of team activities throughout Houston’s June mandatory minicamp. The hope was Metchie would use training camp to acclimate, but even a Week 1 target was not a guarantee.

During the break, Metchie was diagnosed with leukemia, which prioritized his life over his career. Assuredly Metchie’s rookie year was done, and returning to the NFL was at least a year away.

Metchie vanquished his leukemia. Now, what has stood in the way of Metchie seeing playing time is his hamstring. The Texans ruled Metchie out in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens as the wideout did not practice all week.

The former Alabama product was spotted at Houston Methodist Training Center and listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice.

“It’s been great being able to be back out there and kind of start contributing to the team and stuff,” Metchie told Aaron Wilson of KPRC-TV.

What Metchie’s acquisition of patience has taught him is that the team seeks consistency. When Metchie is able to hit the playing field, he knows the Texans want consistent results.

“Patience has definitely been a thing for me, and it’s something that I’ve had a lot of practice with in the last year of course,” said Metchie. “It’s just remaining consistent and that I have to remain consistent and keep showing up. The time will come. I just have to be ready.”

Metchie should get his fair share of reps against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 at NRG Stadium. Seven-year receiver Noah Brown is on injured reserve with a groin injury, which gives Metchie an opportunity to be a part of the offense.

Said Metchie: “I’m extremely excited, but I can’t get too ahead of myself. I just, like I said, have to be patient. That’s kind of the biggest thing. Although I’m real excited, I got to be patient and ready whenever my number is called.”

In Metchie’s final season at Alabama, he caught 96 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns through 13 games.

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Report: Texans to place WR Noah Brown on injured reserve

The Houston Texans are placing WR Noah Brown on injured reserve as he deals with a groin injury.

The Houston Texans may be without the services of Noah Brown, but it won’t be for long.

According to Aaron Wilson from KPRC-TV, the Texans will place the seven-year receiver on injured reserve as he recovers from a groin injury sustained in the 25-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1.

Brown is expected to have a short-term stay on injured reserve. Nevertheless the former Dallas Cowboys 2017 seventh-round pick must remain out for four games. During this time, Brown will not count against the active roster while on injured reserve. When the Texans are ready for Brown to return, they will activate a 21-day practice window to determine whether the wideout is ready to play.

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Texans QB C.J. Stroud emphasizes giving WR Nico Collins more chances

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had some connections with receiver Nico Collins against the Baltimore Ravens, but sees room for improvement.

The Houston Texans’ passing game showed some promise despite the 25-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 at M&T Bank Stadium.

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with receiver Nico Collins six times for 80 yards.

The problem for the No. 2 overall pick was the amount of targets. Stroud went for Collins 11 times, and knows there were missed opportunities that don’t reflect the amount of work the pitch-and-catch combo put into the offseason.

“Me and Nico put in a lot of work in the offseason, just trying to get consistent reps and consistent chemistry down,” Stroud said after the loss. “And frankly today, we were connected on a couple of those throws. Even with some of them, I want back. I just got to give him the chance, because Nico is a really special talent to where he touches the ball, he’s probably going to catch it.”

Stroud finished going 28-of-44 for 242 yards along with four carries for 20 yards in his career debut.

The former Ohio State product understood the Ravens defense sought to disrupt their connection downfield, but still went for Collins.

“I definitely think there were definitely going to keep cueing on me and him and really everyone on offense,” said Stroud.

Collins’ six catches were the most since Week 12 last season when he hauled in six for 44 yards in a 30-15 loss at the Miami Dolphins.

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How bad could it get for the 2023 Houston Texans?

The Houston Texans are bringing plenty of optimism into 2023, but the long march of a regular season can saddle some teams with extra hardships.

The Houston Texans seek to bust the cycle of consecutive double-digit losing seasons. Not since 2019 have the Texans posted a record that didn’t include double-digit losses.

With new coach DeMeco Ryans being a fan favorite former Pro Bowl linebacker, the fan base is willing to see how the ex-San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator will turn around the team. Nevertheless the task remains to get Houston out of the morass.

According to Jeff Kerr from CBS Sports, the floor for the Texans in 2023 is a 3-14 finish, and he points to the offense led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud as the chief component in Houston being held back.

There’s still a lot of work that needs to be done with the roster, particularly at pass catcher. Nico Collins, Robert Woods and Noah Brown don’t exactly strike at wide receiver, which could make Stroud’s rookie season very difficult. Stroud will also needs to make good decisions with the football to keep the Texans in games, especially with a defense that is still a work in progress. Houston also gave up its first-round pick to Arizona, so a bad season won’t help matters.

While Kerr’s floor record prediction is similar to Houston’s 3-13-1 record from a year ago, the key factor for the Texans’ record will be complexion of losses. If the Texans are losing one-score games, it could create the narrative that Houston is a young team that needs more experience and should bounce back in 2024. If the Texans are getting blown out and hogtied by the fourth quarter, as was the case last year, it could demonstrate how far the chasm is between rebuilding and competing.

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