Texans RB David Johnson details how he will help rookie QB Davis Mills in 1st career start

The Houston Texans will be starting their second quarterback of the 2021 season when they host the Carolina Panthers for Thursday Night Football at NRG Stadium.

Rookie Davis Mills seeks to lead the 1-1 Texans against the 2-0 Panthers and put a dent in their perfect record to start the season. The third-round pick from Stanford will be the 18th Texans quarterback to start a game, and the fifth rookie to make a start for the franchise.

Coming off a short week, one wherein the Cleveland Browns beat the Texans 31-21 just four days ago, the Texans have had limited time to get Mills ready.

It will be up to the players, not just the coaches, to get Mills ready to go. Running back David Johnson outlined how the players can help Mills stay comfortable as they take on Carolina.

Relax Mills

(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

“Before the game, it's just trying to talk to him, calm him down," Johnson said. "He's always calm, cool and collected, and he's going to show that, so I don't know if he's an anxious guy or not. But just try to talk to him, relax. Sometimes even talk non-sports just to get his mind out of it. Even though it is a short week, he's played football, so I think it's just doing that."

Provide adequate pass protection

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

"During the game, it's doing my job, obviously," Johnson said. "That’s the main point, when it's blitz pickup, making sure he has a good pocket, running the ball and making sure we’re getting positive yards."

Do your job

(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

"I think that's the biggest thing, is if we do our job and stay in front of the chains as coaches would say, I think that's going to help out," said Johnson.

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