Nico Collins' Production 'Not Surprising' to Houston Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans

Coach DeMeco Ryans has been pleased but not surprised by Nico Collins' start to the 2023 season.

Nico Collins is having a career year four games into the 2023 season. He has played a significant role in the Houston Texans' early season success after accumulating 428 receiving yards on 22 catches.

Collins' play may have come as a surprise, given his subpar first two seasons in the league. But coach DeMeco Ryans knew Collins was in line for a big year due to his on-field production during OTAs and training camp. 

"He was making a ton of big plays in training camp [and] OTAs, so it is not surprising that he’s doing that when it comes to the games," Ryans said. "He’s been consistent. He took care of himself, he’s been healthy, he’s been out there every day working – working hard at it — and it shows."

For a position group deemed below average before the season, Collins has taken the helm as the Texans' top target in the passing game. 

Texans Nico Collins scores a touchdown / Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Ryans described Collins as one who "makes big-time plays." And the playmaking skill set of the 6-foot-4 wideout was on display during the Texans' 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium. 

With 3:39 left in the fourth quarter, Collins helped the Texans put the game out of reach with a 52-yard touchdown from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. He finished the game with a career-best seven catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns.

"He’s been working, whether it’s strength or whatever it is, the mindset for me is the main thing," Ryans said. "When he catches the ball, he’s thinking about going to score, and that’s what we need."

Ryans stated in the past that Collins wants to be great. And four games into a breakout season, Collins is on the trajectory to meet his career goal.