HOUSTON — During Houston Texans training camp, one of the tandems the media members and fans in attendance wanted to connect was rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and third-year wide receiver Nico Collins. It was a rough beginning as the two seemed like they could not get on the same page, which is to be expected since they were getting to know each other’s tendencies.
One day, they would look like they had played together for years, while other days, the tandem would talk extensively while the second team took reps about how they could develop more continuity. As time went on, the former Big 10 players (Stroud-Ohio State, Collins-Michigan) began to create the chemistry with each other that had been evident throughout the first two weeks of the season.
Buy Texans TicketsOn Sunday, the connection worked well as Collins finished the day with a career-high 146 yards receiving on seven catches and a touchdown. He has amassed 226 yards receiving (113 yards per game) on 13 receptions, which ranks him fifth amongst all NFL receivers. He has been an effective target across the middle for Stroud early this season as the chemistry continues to build between the two.
“I already knew what he could do,” said Stroud after Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts. “I watched a couple of games last year, and he was always open. And, if he wasn’t, he was going to make a tough catch.” #Texans #Sarge @TheTexansWire pic.twitter.com/MmEfVs2MOF
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) September 23, 2023
If Collins gets 100-plus yards receiving on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he will record his second consecutive 100-yard receiving game, making him the first Texans receiver since Brandin Cooks in 2021 to accomplish this feat.
“I already knew what he could do,” said Stroud after Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts. “I watched a couple of games last year, and he was always open. And, if he wasn’t, he was going to make a tough catch. With the type of receiver, just give him a shot, give him a chance, and he’ll make the play. It’s really fun working with a guy like that. He works really, really hard. These were little glimpses of what is to come, and I think it’s just more and more success, from not only me and him but really this whole offense. I think that we’ll just keep growing.”
The former University of Michigan wide receiver is trying to prove that the Texans did not waste a draft pick on him in the 2021 NFL draft. His first two seasons with the team were filled with injuries, and he could only compete in 24 games. With a new offensive coordinator and scheme for the Texans, Collins knew that he could be an explosive weapon in an offense predicated on getting wide receivers into open spaces to make plays.
“I been knew what I had in me,” Collins said exclusively to the Texans Wire about his performance this season. “This isn’t the last, it is a long season, and I have a lot more left in the tank. We are going to keep climbing. I am chasing details and just want to stay healthy and be available for this team because it is some “dawgs” on that field.”
“I been knew what I had in me,” Collins said exclusively to the TexansWire about his performance this season. “This isn’t the last, it is a long season, and I have a lot more left in the tank.” #Texans #Sarge @TheTexansWire pic.twitter.com/gTl2hZXGm9
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) September 23, 2023
Collins isn’t hard to miss on the offensive side of the ball at 6-foot-4. He has learned to use his stature and frame to make himself a big target for Stroud, similar to what he had last season at Ohio State with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is 6-foot-3.
“I put my body on the line to continue to move the chains,” Collins responded when asked about using his body to create space in the secondary. “It is mine over matter. It is either my ball or nobody’s ball. I just want to be available and be in spots for seven [Stroud]. He is going to put it there and dice them up. You just got to make that play when your opportunity comes.”
