The Houston Texans offensive staff was looking for a spark.
They tried with backup quarterback Kyle Allen replacing second-year Davis Mills from Weeks 12-13. Along with two more losses to add to Mills’ 1-8-1 record, Houston also generated eight total turnovers.
With the Texans turning back to Mills as their starter against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Houston needed to find a way to move the ball, especially since their top two receivers, Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins, were slated to be out with injuries.
“We talked about it as a staff,” offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton told reporters Dec. 15. “Just what can we do to give us a spark, to really help us on first and second down. Just to create conflicts for the opponent, create conflicts for the defense. To find ways to run the ball so that we can stay out of dreaded third-and-longs.”
The solution was to interchange Mills and backup Jeff Driskel, who was elevated from the practice squad the day prior. The two quarterbacks would substitute for one another even during series to help open up the offense.
Mills was efficient, going 16-of-21 for 175 yards and an interception, the result of a Hail Mary at the end of the game.
Driskel was 4-6 for 38 yards and a touchdown while also rushing seven times for 36 yards.
“It was good to see both Davis and Jeff go out and at times really do a good job of executing the offense,” Hamilton said.
What the two quarterback system did was also help the Texans find ways to put the ball in their playmakers’ hands. Houston generated 327 yards total offense, their first time since Week 10 they went over the 300-yard mark total.
“We just have to continue to do a good job of mixing both perimeter runs and interior runs, finding ways to just get the guys the football in space,” said Hamilton.
The Texans will be challenged as the 10-3 Kansas City Chiefs visit NRG Stadium in Week 15. The Chiefs are the 15th-best total defense and 18th-best scoring defense.
