Much uncertainty faced the Houston Texans during the last two seasons.
The front office drama courtesy of Jack Easterby got media mileage in a comprehensive Sports Illustrated article.
Then, Deshaun Watson got involved in numerous sexual misconduct allegations after demanding a trade.
With their quarterback healthy but sidelined, the Texans named Tyrod Taylor as their starting quarterback on the opening day of the 2021 NFL season.
Questions surrounding the team died down when Taylor led the team to victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Taylor completed 21 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns in that game.
The veteran quarterback also added four carries for 40 yards.
But their good fortunes crashed after a Week 2 loss to the Cleveland Browns, 31-21.
Taylor started the game and kept the Texans in contention throughout the first half.
He missed just one pass attempt while tallying 125 yards, a passing touchdown, and a 15-yard rushing touchdown.
Unfortunately, he did not finish the game after suffering a hamstring injury.
The actual occurrence of his injury is uncertain.
However, it looked as if he limped to the end zone when he ran for a touchdown.
That moment occurred with less than seven minutes left in the second quarter, but he completed the half.
Rookie quarterback Davis Mills took over for Taylor in the second half and managed the game.
Unfortunately, it was not enough to defeat the Browns, which outscored the Texans in the second half, 17-7.
Mills finished with eight completions for 102 yards, a passing touchdown, and an interception to Malcolm Smith.
More woes came Houston’s way when Taylor sat out their Thursday Night Football encounter with the Carolina Panthers.
The Texans had no chance, especially against the stellar Carolina defense.
The Road To Misery Starts
Aside from Taylor, Brandin Cooks is one of the few brights spots for the Texans early in the season.
The wide receiver from Oregon State caught nine receptions for 112 yards.
The Texans defense also sacked Sam Darnold thrice.
However, the quarterback contest was not even a close contest.
It would at least be an exciting battle if Taylor were playing.
Sadly, the NFL crash course for Mills is just getting started.
The rookie from Stanford finished with 19 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown.
In contrast, Darnold made 23 of 34 passes for 304 yards and added two rushing touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Houston’s lone touchdown was a pass from Mills to Anthony Miller.
Adding insult to injury, the Panthers sacked Mills four times, including 1.5 from Haason Reddick.
It’s tough to conjure optimism for the Texans with Tyrod Taylor out indefinitely.
His experience and veteran leadership can help them calm down during challenging patches of a game.
He has also seen many defensive formations throughout his career, which helps him counter with the right play.
Mills will not be the quarterback that can lead them to victory, especially in Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills.
Gregory Rousseau is trending up with his pass rush ability on defense, and Josh Allen will rack up the yards on offense.
It doesn’t get easier for the Texans because they have New England, Indianapolis, Arizona, and the Los Angeles Rams as their following assignments.
But with Taylor, they have at least a fighting chance.
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