When they acquired wide receiver Kenny Stills from the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 31, the Houston Texans did not know they had. On the tape, he flashed consistency and speed, but, personally, he was more of an unknown; after all, he never called Houston home.
After a few months, the Texans know what they have — a hard worker.
“Very smart guy, very hard worker, really takes a lot of pride in what his job is, his role in the offense,” coach Bill O’Brien said of Stills on Tuesday. “Same guy every day. Not an up-and-down guy at all, very consistent person, very strong-willed person and a guy that brings a lot to the table every day.”
Stills has emerged as Houston’s third-head in a three-headed wide receiver attack, with DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller completing the unit. Though his stats aren’t gaudy, they are indicative of being one of Deshaun Watson’s favorite targets in a crowded offense.
In 12 games (four starts), the 27-year-old has 35 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns.
“I mean, he’s a guy that’s been working his tail off and whenever his plays come and his opportunities come, he makes sure that he takes advantage of them,” Watson said of Stills on Tuesday.
Last Sunday, Stills’ hard work paid off. Though only hauling in three receptions, he finished the 24-21 victory over the Tennessee Titans with two touchdowns catches. The two created a 14-0 lead that the Titans could not overcome.
“I just tried my best to find the open guy on those two plays,” Watson said. “He came open on exactly what we wanted the look to be.”
Stills has grown from an afterthought acquisition in the Laremy Tunsil trade to a key cog in the Texans’ passing game. Stills’ work ethic has benefited his new team, who is now a win away from clinching the division for the second straight year.