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With Nico Collins out, Bobby Slowik should figure out how to get Tank Dell more involved
I went back and looked at Tank Dell's stats this season and compared them to last year, and the difference was a little astonishing.
He's not having nearly the same impact he had as a rookie in 2023 before his injury.
Dell is averaging just 10.5 yards per reception, down from 15.1 in 2023. He's also averaging just over five targets per game, down from seven in 2023. Obviously, the addition of Stefon Diggs has played a part. Diggs is getting most of those targets, as was Collins.
But it shouldn't be this bad.
The drop in yards per reception points to how offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has utilized Dell this season. He's used him more in the short game and on end around runs. Dell has been targeted on fewer deep balls, which is where he shined as a rookie.
Dell averaged 70.9 yards per game during his rookie season. He's averaging just 34.2 yards per game this season.
With Nico Collins out for the next four weeks after being place on the injured reserve, that may change.
Dell immediately steps back into the No. 2 role behind Diggs, who assumes the No. 1 role, as the Texans face the Patriots Sunday.
When asked Wednesday what the receivers must do to make up for Collins, Dell said they just have to play their game.
"Nico is a big factor in our offense, we all know that, but we still have other players who can go down and stretch the field, win deep routes and underneath and do some of the similar things Nico does," Dell said. "I just feel like all together we've got to play football."
He was being modest.
It's time Slowik finds a way to get Dell the ball and maximize his talents. Part of the offense's success depends on it.
Correction: Monday's newsletter had the incorrect subhead for the Film Review section and stated a Texans' loss instead of a Texans' win.
 | Jonathan M. Alexander, Texans beat reporter |
Fantasy studs and duds
Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer
START HIM
WR Tank Dell
With Collins out, I'd expect a lot of the attention from the Patriots' defense will be on Stefon Diggs. That could open up opportunities for Dell, who is one of the Texans' best deep-play threats. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik should figure out how to unlock Dell's deep-threat ability. Dell hasn't had a breakout game yet. Sunday might be the day.
Go deeper: Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins will miss at least four weeks. What that means for offense
Texans defense/special teams
Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye will make his first career start Sunday. I like Maye. He has a ton of talent. But he's also playing behind a suspect offensive line, which has given up the most pressures of any team in the NFL. The Patriots also haven't scored more than 15 points in a game all season.
SIT HIM
QB C.J. Stroud
This has nothing to do with Stroud and all to do with the Patriots, who despite their horrendous offense, have been really good defensively. They've given up four passing touchdowns in six games. CB Christian Gonzalez is playing at a high level. The Patriots defense allows just 20.4 points per game, which is ninth in the NFL.
RB Cam Akers
If you have Cam Akers on your fantasy team, you might want to sit him. Joe Mixon returned to practice Thursday, which likely means he'll get the start Sunday. Dameon Pierce has also returned and would likely backup Mixon.
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The Three 🔑
The latest episode of "The Three," where I give you three keys to a victory at Sunday's game, is out.
Watch the video here.
Texans Trivia!
Monday's bonus question: The Texans have begun a season 4-1 or better how many times in franchise history?
Monday's answer: One.
The Texans have started a season 4-1 or better once in franchise history. That was 2012, when they began the year 5-0, and finished the year with a 12-4 regular season record.
Shoutout to Michael Brooke for being the first to answer this week's question correctly! This was his second time being first. You and Alisha Watson have been on the money.
This week's question: How many quarterbacks threw Andre Johnson a pass in a Texans uniform? Including those who did not complete a pass to Johnson. (You'll know this answer if you read one of my earlier stories on Johnson ahead of his Hall of Fame induction).
The first person to email me the correct answer gets a shoutout in the next newsletter.
Top Stories
Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer
Texans RB Joe Mixon sounds off on hip-drop tackle, hopes to play this week
Joe Mixon, who injured his ankle against Chicago on Sept. 15, participated in Thursday's practice, a good sign for his possible return.
- Texans mailbag: Why can't they put teams away? What's up with Bobby Slowik? Jonathan M. Alexander answers a wide range of readers' Texans questions after a win over the fellow AFC contender Buffalo Bills. Read More
- Texans film room: Defense's pressure thwarts Bills quarterback Josh Allen: Houston sacked Buffalo's QB only once but put him under plenty of duress at opportune times. Read More
Photo by: Chris Shelton
I was wrong about last week. I admit it.
I certainly didn't see the Texans getting after Josh Allen like that. But I can admit when I'm wrong.
Sunday's game could get scary for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who is making his first career start. The Patriots offensive line has been horrendous, and their offense hasn't scored more than 15 points all season. He gives the Patriots a better chance, but I'd be shocked if the Texans lost.
I'm predicting a low scoring game. Texans 20, Patriots 10.
JMA's season record: 3-2
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