Rex Burkhead has been in the NFL since 2013 when the Cincinnati Bengals drafted him in Round 6 from Nebraska.
The 31-year-old has seen his share of quarterbacks from Andy Dalton to Tom Brady, and Burkhead is already impressed with Houston Texans rookie Davis Mills.
“I think the thing that impresses me the most about Davis he’s so even-keeled,” Burkhead said after Houston’s 38-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8. “It doesn’t matter if we’re down a ton there, not converting, not being successful, he’s always the same quarterback. He’s the same person throughout the game.”
The Texans fell down as far as 38-0 against the Rams to start the fourth quarter, but Mills kept battling and finished going 29-of-38 for 310 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
“For a rookie to have that mindset, even in practice, is exact same way,” said Burkhead, who had four carries for 21 yards and a touchdown. “Super impressive to me being a nine-year veteran. I really haven’t seen that, honestly, from a lot of younger guys. He does that very well and takes command in the huddle there, especially when we need it late on.”
The Texans take on the Miami Dolphins in Week 9 on the road at Hard Rock Stadium. With quarterback Tyrod Taylor working back from a hamstring injury, and the Texans intending to go back to the former Pro Bowler, Mills’ time as the starter is drawing to a close. Nevertheless, he has shown to veterans that he doesn’t get affected by the ups and downs common with every NFL game.