The Houston Texans yanked Davis Mills after a 1-8-1 start and a 78.1 passer rating.
Certainly Mills had to have known his play wasn’t good enough for Houston to win ballgames, and the result of being taken out of the starting lineup could deescalate any motivation the second-year quarterback had.
However, coach Lovie Smith told reporters Wednesday that the Texans aren’t too worried about Mills’ confidence after he sat the past two games behind Kyle Allen.
“We were real about why we made the move and the reasons why,” Smith said.
The Texans weren’t getting anything helpful from Allen during his two starts. Houston couldn’t win a game and committed eight turnovers in that span. Going back to Mills’ previous starts, one would have to go back through the past four of Mills’ starts to find as many turnovers.
Smith emphasized that the starting jobs are based on meritocracy.
“We don’t give out permanent jobs,” said Smith. “It’s about how you play each week, and we put a lot into your last performance. Davis moved into a different role. He continued to be our captain and do all the things that he was doing before.”
As Mills prepares for Week 14 at the Dallas Cowboys, Smith believes that Mills will have a better understanding of the position.
“I think the second time around, you kind of appreciate the position you’re in a little bit better,” said Smith. “I know that’s the case.”
Houston kicks off at 12:00 p.m. Central Time against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
