Texans’ Nico Collins Reflects on Season, Backs Stroud After Playoff Exit
In a season that saw the Houston Texans take a major step forward, wide receiver Nico Collins emerged as one of C.J. Stroud’s most reliable weapons-when healthy.
Injuries may have limited Collins’ availability, but they didn’t diminish his impact or his connection with his quarterback. And after Houston’s playoff run came to a premature end, Collins made it clear: Stroud’s leadership and talent are still the heartbeat of this team.
“Just keep your head up,” Collins said, offering words of encouragement to Stroud following the loss. “It’s not the way we wanted to end, you know?
Our goal was the Super Bowl, but things happen. Just keep being you, brother.”
That kind of support speaks volumes, especially coming from a player who’s been through the grind with Stroud all season. Collins didn’t hold back in praising his quarterback’s poise and presence, calling him “a baller” and “one freak of an athlete.” For a young team that exceeded expectations, that kind of belief in your signal-caller matters-and it reinforces why the Texans’ future looks so promising.
Collins also reflected on the sting of missing the team’s final game, a playoff contest he had hoped to be part of. “Didn’t expect Pittsburgh to be my last outing,” he said.
“But it is what it is. It’s God’s timing.
Just thankful that I’m feeling great.”
Despite the abrupt ending, Collins sees the year as a foundational one-not just for him, but for the entire locker room. “It was one hell of a year,” he said.
“Didn’t start the way we wanted, but the ride, the bonding, going out and competing-it was a great feeling. Don’t regret one moment.”
That’s the kind of mindset you want from a core piece of your offense. Collins is already looking ahead, motivated by what could’ve been and focused on what’s next.
“Gonna get out there, get ready for OTAs, and throughout camp. Motivation for next year, for sure.”
Robert Saleh Brings Fresh Perspective to Titans After Jets Tenure
Robert Saleh knows what it’s like to be in the big chair-and now he’s getting a second shot at it. The new Titans head coach didn’t sugarcoat his first stint in New York, where he went 20-36 over three seasons with the Jets. But instead of dwelling on the record, Saleh is focused on the lessons learned.
“There’s no handbook to a first time at anything you do,” Saleh said. “The proper question would be: What didn’t I learn?”
That’s the kind of honesty that resonates. Saleh acknowledged the challenges, the growth, and the steep learning curve that comes with leading an NFL team.
“I could sit here and talk to you for the next four hours about all those things,” he added. “But I can assure you there is tremendous growth from the opportunity I had.”
Now, with a clean slate in Tennessee, Saleh is bringing that experience-and some familiar faces-into the fold.
Brian Daboll Joins Titans as OC, Tasked with Developing Cam Ward
One of the most intriguing moves of the Titans’ offseason came when Saleh brought in former Giants head coach Brian Daboll to run the offense. The hire signals a clear investment in the development of rookie quarterback Cam Ward, and Saleh didn’t mince words when explaining why Daboll was the right man for the job.
“[Daboll] has had a history of developing young quarterbacks in this league and college,” Saleh said. “He has a tremendous amount of experience with tremendous quarterbacks all over.”
Daboll’s offensive approach is aggressive, calculated, and designed to stress defenses in every possible way. “He’s always going to strain you with both the run and pass,” Saleh explained.
“He’s going to find the run-pass conflicts within your scheme. Then he’s going to attack the s- out of it.
He’s special in that regard. He’s a problem.”
That’s exactly what the Titans are hoping for-a coach who can mold Ward’s raw talent into something dangerous. Saleh emphasized that the development plan for Ward will be all-encompassing.
“We’ve gotten a whole offseason to work with him,” he said. “Take him back to the very, very beginning-both on the field, off the field. What it looks like to be a professional in terms of body preparation, gameplanning, learning the playbook.”
It’s a full reset for the Titans-new head coach, new offensive coordinator, new quarterback. But with Saleh’s renewed perspective and Daboll’s quarterback expertise, Tennessee is laying the groundwork for something bigger. Whether that turns into wins in the short term remains to be seen, but the blueprint is clear: develop the quarterback, build a smart, aggressive offense, and let the rest fall into place.
One name to keep an eye on as the Titans continue building out their staff: Falcons assistant Mike Rutenberg. If the team doesn’t land Gus Bradley as defensive coordinator, Rutenberg could be next in line.