The NFL playoffs are upon us. Here is how Davis Mills, the Houston Texans' backup quarterback, played a hand in keeping them afloat in a relief role.
How far will the Texans go in the playoffs?
The Texans are on a legitimate run for the Lombardi. Whenever a team wins a championship, there are some drivers and some who are only there for the ride. No matter where this ride ends, it’ll be a year where, in the rearview, we’ll praise Davis Mills for keeping the bus afloat, so when the stud franchise QB came back, there was something to come back to.
On any given Sunday, you never know who'll step up. This is the story of a crucial three Sundays where Mills was the next man to step up.
As the 7th team in the Super Bowl era to start 0-3 and clinch a spot in the dance, Mills’ three wins as a starter were a key part of this trip.
If his $7 million contract seems hefty for someone logging significant minutes holding a clipboard, I’m sure coach Ryans and crew are happy he was on their payroll this year. Is 2025 the year of the backup? Elsewhere, names like Malik Willis, Mac Jones, and Tyler Huntley have all made key contributions.
Mills showed, at least in limited time, that for a pivotal three-game stretch, he could be the man. Although he earned his keep, it must also not be understated how much of a testament it is to the will and skill of that ferocious defense. The stats for Mills were: 292, two scores a division win against the Jaguars. 274, a score and no picks, a victory vs the Titans. Two scores, no picks, a win over the Bills and the reigning MVP.
When the ball gets kicked off on Sunday, Houston will be looking to close the year on a 12-2 march with all the momentum in the world and a defense no one wants to tussle with for four quarters.
The 5-7 seeds in the AFC seem locked for Houston, LA, and Buffalo. Houston is a dangerous wildcard at No. 5; they should be glad they had an ace to hold down the fort this year.
The role of QB1 looks set in Houston for a decade plus. But for a month, his substitute made moves that could put the rest of the squad in position to capture a title. So, forgive Mills’s 46.8 QBR and any perceived limitations. If the season ends with Super Bowl rings, he will have earned his. From overcoming adversity, navigating riding the bench, to the part he played in trying to turn Houston into Clutch City again.