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The Houston Texans Week 17 performance against the San Francisco 49ers was one to forget. San Francisco had control of the entire game and Houston couldn't get anything going. With the offseason approaching, we take a look at this Texans-49ers game with some of our Texans Week 17 takeaways in mind.
Although Houston has been a mess this year, they at least have some key pieces to build around. Davis Mills has surprisingly played well whenever his number is called upon. For this reason, the Texans' front office should highly consider building around Mills this coming offseason.
As for the rest of the roster, Houston clearly needs some help. The running back situation is dreadful and it's time this team finds a legitimate starting running back. Additionally, Brandin Cooks has proven to be one of the most reliable receivers in the league. The Texans will have plenty of options to consider in regards to his tenure with the organization.
With that said, here are three Texans Week 17 takeaways from their loss to the 49ers.
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Texans Week 17 Takeaways
3. Texans must build around Davis Mills
Considering the Texans are bound to collect a haul of draft picks after trading Deshaun Watson, it would be wise to use them to build around Davis Mills. He's been a solid quarterback, especially when you compare him to the other rookie quarterbacks this year. He looks poised in the pocket and delivers the ball where it needs to be.
If the Texans want to rebuild the roster correctly, they should draft everything but quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft. Doing so will give Houston a much better roster overall while giving Davis Mills the confidence he needs to play well. It'll be an interesting offseason, but this franchise has a chance to create a strong foundation for their roster with Mills leading the way.
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2. Houston desperately needs an upgrade at running back
We've seen a few running backs excel in the Texans' offensive scheme, however, it's been sporadic. Mark Ingram, Phillip Lindsay, and Rex Burkhead have had some big games for Houston this year. Solidifying the rushing attack would be a great way for Houston to right the ship.
Whether they acquire a running back through free agency or the draft, it doesn't matter. As long as they pick up a young and/or motivated player, the run game will vastly improve. An upgrade in the backfield will also bode well for Davis Mills' development. Being able to run the ball is a great way for a young quarterback to get adjusted to the pro level. Look for the front office to acquire a running back in the offseason.
1. Brandin Cooks proves his talents yet again
Brandin Cooks has easily been the most consistent player for the Houston Texans this year. We've seen him play well with Tyrod Taylor, as well as Davis Mills. His future in Houston is bleak for now, as this team is restructuring the roster. Cooks could be a nice trade piece for the front office, or, he could be a valuable pass option for the team next year.
Regardless, Cooks is in line to maintain his consistency. Whether he's playing for the Texans or another franchise. We'll see how this offseason plays out, but Houston has plenty of options at their disposal. Don't be shocked if the front office keeps him though, as Brandin Cooks can be the veteran leader on this team through their rebuild.
