Texans’ passing game remains enigmatic after first three weeks
For a brief moment in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills and offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton looked like they had found a hole in the Bears’ defense that they could exploit.
In the 23-20 loss, Mills got the ball to tight ends Jordan Akins and Pharaoh Brown as he completed six passes for 62 yards and one touchdown to the combination. Both players accounted for two of the four passes from Mills that went longer than 20-plus yards.
On the second play from scrimmage in the third quarter, Mills connected on a 25-yard pass to Akins to move the chains. Akins was able to get separation from Bears’ defensive back Kyler Gordon at the snap of the ball as Mills found him running in stride for a significant gain.
In the fourth quarter, Mills made a connection with Brown on third and ten from the Houston nine-yard line for 30-yards to keep the drive alive.
Some people are perplexed on why the Texans are not doing enough to get the tight ends involved in the offense, mainly when the production from the wide receiver position is not producing.
In the first three games, all touchdown receptions (3) have gone to tight ends (Howard 2, Akins 1), while the receivers and backs have yet to reach the end zone on any catches. Brown also leads the NFL in average separation yards at 4.8.
“We respect the heck out of our tight end group,” said offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton. “We know that we have a talented group. Moving forward, just like we’ve done in previous weeks, we’re going to find ways to put the best personnel groupings on the field to attack the opponent that we’re facing.”
The passing offense is even more confusing because running back Rex Burkhead (11) trails only Brandin Cooks (13) in receptions on the season.
Houston has to find some way to get everyone involved during their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers, or they will find themselves winless after Week 4.
