DeMeco Ryans on how Nico Collins opens up opportunities for the rest of the Texans receivers and the chemistry C.J. Stroud has built with his weapons:
“Even on Boutte’s touchdown, you see they’re in some type of zone coverage, but Nico is to the right aligned in the slot, and there are like three defenders who have their attention on Nico.”
Ryans emphasized that when Nico draws that much attention, other receivers have to win their one on one matchups, pointing to Hutchinson, Boutte, Dell and Harrison stepping up.
He also credited Stroud’s leadership for bringing the receivers together to work out over the summer and build chemistry.
“We’re seeing the fruits of it now show up in the season.”
🎥 @HoustonTexans
QB C.J. Stroud earned his fifth career AFC Offensive Player of the Week honor after completing 21-of-35 (60.0%) passes for 384 yards and five touchdowns in a Week 9 win over the Chargers.
Stroud is the only player in the NFL to earn multiple Player of the Week honors this season.
@TexansCommenter Even on his TD catch I thought he jumped unnecessarily which could have messed with his ability to pull the ball in, thankfully it didn't
Only four wide receivers have caught 75%+ of their contested targets this season:
-Carnell Tate (8/9, 89%)
-Puka Nacua (14/16, 88%)
-Nico Collins (14/17, 83%)
-Mike Evans (10/13, 77%)
Some clips of Marvin Harrison Jr.'s run blocking against the Chargers.
MHJ is a complete receiver. Beyond being a big, physical, technically polished route runner with a high football IQ, he's also a very solid and willing run blocker.
He routinely takes excellent shallow angles to dig out safeties and linebackers, but what really stands out to me is his uncanny ability to subtly reposition himself between the ball carrier and the defender.
It's hard to explain, but he has these incredibly sneaky, deceptive little movements that allow him to gain leverage and put himself in great position to make a block. Especially impressive for someone his size.