Davis Mills, Coach Ryans Reflect on Week 9 Performance, Plan Ahead

Following their recent defeat against the Denver Broncos, Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback Davis Mills faced the media to discuss the team’s performance. The Texans struggled significantly, particularly in the red zone, which heavily impacted the game’s outcome.

Red Zone Challenges Define Week 9 Performance

Throughout the matchup, the Texans repeatedly found themselves in advantageous positions, yet failed to capitalize. Ryans emphasized the importance of scoring touchdowns instead of settling for field goals. He remarked, “We were in the red zone multiple times… had multiple opportunities to get it in.”

• The Texans went 3 of 17 on third-down conversions.
• They reached the one-yard line but failed to score on two crucial occasions.

Mills, who stepped in for the injured C.J. Stroud, acknowledged these shortcomings. He stated, “We’ve got to come out of those drives with touchdowns rather than field goals. That’s the biggest difference in the game.” The inability to secure points in the red zone ultimately defined their performance.

Assessment of Mills’ Performance

Initially, Mills moved the ball effectively after taking over as quarterback. However, the Broncos’ defense, directed by coordinator Vance Joseph, adjusted quickly, leading to a downturn in the Texans’ offensive production. Ryans described the second half as a struggle, noting, “We lack just being able to sustain drives.”

Injuries and Accountability

Despite multiple injuries affecting the roster, Ryans refused to cite this as an excuse. He expressed that such challenges are commonplace in the league. “At the end of the day, you have to execute regardless of who is on the field,” he remarked. The head coach underscored the importance of discipline and execution, emphasizing that every player must be prepared to contribute.

Credit to the Broncos Defense

Both Ryans and Mills acknowledged the performance of the Broncos’ defense, which consistently disrupted their offensive rhythm. Mills specifically praised their opponents, stating, “A lot of props to that Denver defense. They have a lot of good players.” Ryans recognized Denver quarterback Bo Nix for making critical plays under pressure, particularly late in the game.

Looking Ahead: Focus on Improvement

As they prepare for the next matchup, both Mills and Ryans remain hopeful. Mills stated, “We got a lot of good players on our team… just got to keep pressing forward.” The key to improvement lies in learning from this experience and refining their execution, especially in the red zone.

Both coach and quarterback agree that addressing offensive struggles is essential for future success. “If we can’t get in the end zone, scoring points is going to be hard,” Ryans concluded. The Texans will look to bounce back at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10, set for November 9 at 12 p.m. at NRG Stadium.