'He's Dialed In!' Texans' Ryans Praises Collins' Development

Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins has emerged as quarterback C.J. Stroud's favorite target, which is no surprise to head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has been adamant about establishing a winning mindset and culture in his first season on the job. His Texans fell to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, 31-20, to fall to 0-2. However, it’s clear Houston is no longer a pushover, at least offensively.

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has performed fairly well. Through two weeks (prior to Monday night’s contests), he ranks 17th in passer rating and 18th in adjusted net yards per attempt. Despite an injury-riddled offensive line, he’s been able to move the ball like a functional NFL quarterback.

A large part of that has been the growth of receiver Nico Collins. In Week 1, he saw 11 targets, catching six passes for 80 yards. On Sunday, Stroud looked his way nine times en route to seven receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown. He’s become a fixture of the offense along the boundary.

Ryans spoke on Monday about Collins’ development.

“What has impressed me most about Nico was his intent and how he comes to work every day,” Ryans said. “He’s dialed in. Nico wants to be great at what he does … When there’s a coaching point or improvement to be made from last week, he improved upon it this week and put it on tape.”

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Collins has always been a ball-winner thanks to his 6-4 frame. So far this season, he’s taken strides with the ball in his hands, earning Ryans’ praise.

“I love the mindset when Nico caught the ball,” Ryans continued. “It was a mindset to score, and that’s what we need from all of our guys … you knew that he was gonna have a good year based on his mindset and how he worked.”

Collins had a strong camp and has erased any doubts about his standing as a starting receiver, at least on this young Texans team. He and veteran receiver Robert Woods are consistently targeted on third down, becoming Stroud’s preferred security blankets. That’s no surprise given the admiration Ryans has sent their way.

If Ryans’ words are any indication, Collins has become a model of consistency for Houston’s receivers. Expect Stroud to find him frequently in Week 3’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.