Rookie quarterbacks getting flustered is nothing new and if it happens it is nothing to worry about. Adapting to the NFL from college can be quite an ordeal and overwhelming.
However, according to Houston Texans running back Rex Burkhead, rookie quarterback Davis Mills didn’t slip into moments of panic or lose his composure.
“He’s done a tremendous job, very impressive,” Burkhead said on Jan. 9. “I think really just his calm presence out there on the field is intriguing to me the most. It excites me to see his development continue to grow. I’ve said many times any time there may be a mistake out there, we may not be moving the ball so well, he’s always the same quarterback, same person. He’s so even keeled, continues to battle and fight forward. Seeing the steps he took this season, I’m really excited to see what he can do next season.”
One of the situations that the Texans discovered throughout Mills’ 11 starts is that the former third-rounder from Stanford truly excels at the hurry-up. When the Texans played up-tempo offensively, Mills was able to flourish.
“That’s something we do a good job of especially when we get into a good rhythm,” said Burkhead. “He does a good job just getting us into the right spots, listening to [offensive coordinator] TK (Tim Kelly) whatever he is telling him in the helmet. He definitely thrives in that situation. Guys love rallying behind him and going out there and fighting.”
The Texans almost pulled off one of their biggest rallies of the season in the final game. Despite trailing 21-0 at halftime at NRG Stadium, the Texans stormed back and make the Tennessee Titans sweat out a 28-25 victory to give them the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.
General manager Nick Caserio’s goal in the offseason is to build around that fighting spirit and calm presence Mills brings to elevate the roster.