DeMeco Ryans Praises Consistency of 'Big-Time Playmaker' Nico Collins

During the Houston Texans' Week 18 victory against the Colts, the performance Nico Collins gave was a small sample size of his season-long production.

HOUSTON — There are several players and coaches who are responsible for the Houston Texans' success during the 2023 regular season, and wide receiver Nico Collins is near the top of the list. 

A career season for the third-year wideout concluded Saturday night with Collins recording a career-best 195 yards on nine catches and a touchdown during Houston's playoff-clinching victory against the Indianapolis Colts. His night began as the recipient of a 75-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud during the Texans' first offensive drive. 

Collins' performance on the national stage may have come as a surprise to the general public. But when it comes to coach DeMeco Ryans, Collins' play was far from a stunner.

Texans' wide receiver Nico Collins runs against Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium / Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

"Go back and take a look at my OTAs videos and training camp, I constantly talked about the player Nico is," Ryans said. "Nico has been doing this since OTAs and training camp. He hasn't changed. His mindset hasn't changed. He has been the same guy. He is a big-time playmaker for us. He shows up every day."

Collins' play at Lucas Oil Stadium was a microcosm of his entire season. It marked the fifth game he recorded 100 yards or more, and the second he nearly reached 200. 

With a weakened wide receiving corps, Colts coach Shane Steichen understood the importance of containing Collins. But perhaps, Collins may have been too good for Indianapolis' defense.

“Yeah, we knew he was a good player going into the game," Steichen said. "They were down Tank Dell, and a couple of guys and Nico is a really good player. Shoot, really good players in this league are going to make plays. You just have to control those players, so they don't get out of hand."

Texans Exclusive: Nico Collins' Road to Greatness Leads to Career-Best Season

In a near-healthy season where he appeared in 15 out of 17 games, Collins recorded 1,297 yards on 80 catches and eight touchdowns. His play has led to a Pro Bowl alternate award, joining Stroud, Will Anderson Jr., Andrew Beck, Jonathan Greenard, and Derek Stingley Jr.