The Houston Texans’ passing game is transitioning from featuring one of the best receivers in the game to one that relies on the distribution skills of its Pro Bowl quarterback.
Multiple weapons, layers of productive players — these are the phrases coming out virtually from NRG Stadium when talking about the rudiments of the 2020 team.
The Texans have two highly productive deep threats in the receiving corps in Will Fuller and Kenny Stills. According to data from Pro Football Focus, Fuller is tied with Robby Anderson for the second-most targets of 20-plus yards since 2015 at 31%. Pulling up fourth place is Kenny Stills at 30%.
Highest % of targets coming 20+ yards downfield since 2015 (min. 200 targets)
Desean Jackson: 34%
Will Fuller: 31%
Robby Anderson: 31%
Kenny Stills: 30% pic.twitter.com/C2OKGhgkRv— PFF (@PFF) June 21, 2020
“Obviously those are guys that have produced and that are coming in with a great mindset and with a chip on their shoulder and are working hard every day to make sure they’re on the same page with the coaching staff and making sure they’re on the same page with Deshaun [Watson],” offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said on May 20.
One of the hiccups with Fuller is his availability. The former 2016 first-round pick has missed 22 games in his four seasons of play. Entering the final year of his contract, Fuller has much to prove, and has been staying mentally engaged in the offseason.
“All the conversations I’ve had with Will have been encouraging,” said Kelly. “He’s been good in the meeting room, he’s been great with his position coach, John Perry.”
In a world where Fuller, Brandin Cooks, and Randall Cobb never get injured, Stills would be considered redundant and traded or released. However, that world is only on Madden; the Texans need Stills around in case Fuller misses time again.
If the Texans can threaten defenses over the top with Fuller and Stills, it will help Watson find the open men underneath. The Texans will have a variety of weapons for Watson to utilize as Houston seeks to defend its AFC South title and trek further into the playoffs.