By Kenny Hodge, PSO Asst. Director of Pro Sports Analytics
Oct 10, 2021



Davis Mills, a rookie quarterback drafted by the Houston Texans in the 3rd round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Stanford University, has been forced into a starting role since Tyrod Taylor got injured in Week 2. Despite a bit of a rocky start to his career, he found his groove Sunday against the New England Patriots, throwing for 312 yards and 3 TD’s on 21-29 passing. Rookie quarterbacks (6-22, and 1-11 since 2014) have notoriously struggled against Bill Belichick’s Patriots, making Mills’ historic performance even more impressive. 

  • Davis Mills is the only rookie QB to record 300+ PASS YDS & 3+ PASS TD against the Bill Belichick-coached Patriots
  • Mills is the only rookie with 300+ PASS YDS/3+ PASS TD/140+ PASS RTG during 1 GP in NFL history
  • Recorded the highest PASS RTG (141.7) by a rookie QB during 1 GP in Houston Texans history
  • Matt Judon has the most SK (6.5) through 5 GP in Patriots history and more than NE’s SK leader (5.5) in 2020

DAVIS MILLS HAD 1 OF THE BEST ROOKIE PERFORMANCES EVER AGAINST BILL BEILICHICK

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Davis Mills etched his name in NFL history with his showing against the Patriots, becoming the only rookie QB with 300+ PASS YDS, 3+ PASS TD, and a 140+ PASS RTG in a single game. His effort is even more spectacular given that he was facing Bill Belichick on the opposing sideline. Rookie quarterbacks have been 1-11 since 2014 and had never recorded 300+ PASS YDS and 3 TD in one game against Belichick before Mills’ historic showing in Week 5. 

After being the eighth QB drafted this past year, Mills was not expected to have a prominent role in the Texans’ offense. Through his first three appearances of the season, he did not top 168 yards in a game and only threw 2 career TD before exploding for an encouraging 3-TD performance on Sunday. After setting NFL records in one of the best rookie QB showings against Bill Belichick, the next milestone for Mills is getting the first win of his NFL career with a trip to Indy up next. 

Davis Mills dropping dimes

 

Crucial fumble at the goaline

 

Pats complete the comeback

 

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