In a powerful message that reflects the New England Patriots’ winning philosophy, head coach Mike Vrabel has made it clear that attitude is the foundation of success within the organization. “I value attitude over ability. If your skills aren’t there yet, we can work and improve together. But if your attitude is lacking, you don’t have a place on this team,” said Mike Vrabel, emphasizing the significance of mindset in creating a championship-caliber team.
The Patriots’ leadership focuses on building a culture where players are encouraged to develop both their skills and their attitudes. While talent is vital for individual success, the Patriots firmly believe that a positive attitude is essential for long-term success and unity within the team. Players who embody the right mindset—dedicated, hardworking, and selfless—are the ones who will thrive in New England.
Coach Mike Vrabel underscored that every player has the potential to improve their skills. With the right support, effort, and determination, anyone can enhance their game. However, the right attitude is non-negotiable. Players who do not embrace the team-first mentality or demonstrate accountability and commitment to improvement simply will not fit into the Patriots’ culture.
As the Patriots continue to build towards another competitive season, this mindset remains at the core of their approach. Every player, whether a rookie or veteran, must demonstrate not only the ability to contribute on the field but also the right attitude to contribute to the team’s collective success.
In New England, the message is clear: you may improve your skills over time, but without the right attitude, you won’t have a place in the team. This emphasis on attitude ensures the Patriots are not just a collection of talented individuals, but a cohesive, unified team with one goal—championship glory.
The Houston Texans benefited from Davis Mills’ chemistry with Nico Collins in Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and they will need it against the Tennessee Titans in Week 11. Mills might not force the ball to Collins, but he will give him opportunities.
The Texans are looking to get back to .500 in Week 11. And with that, they hope to regain some footing in the AFC South race.
While it may not be Mills and the Texans’ only plan, targeting Collins often would be wise.
Mills (No. 67 overall) and Collins (No. 68 overall) were both selected in the third round of the 2021 draft by the Texans.
They spent their first two seasons in the league as a budding QB-WR combo before the Texans selected Stroud No. 2 overall in 2023. Their rapport against the Jaguars – Collins turned a career-high 15 targets into a season-high 136 yards on seven receptions.
“They were giving us some looks where he was isolated in one-on-one coverage, and we liked the matchup. And then, there were other things where we were trying to scheme him to get him open. Nico is extremely explosive with the ball in his hand. And as many times as we can get him the ball, good things usually happen for us, so. And it also, if defense will start covering him, it opens up a lot of our other guys, too,” Mills told reporters on November 13.
“When he’s playing well, I think our whole offense is going to do well. But I don’t think anything was forced. It was just, Nico’s going to make a play. He’s open, he’s running good routes, he’s on time, and my offensive line’s doing a great job protecting. So, yeah. Obviously, we want to try to get him the ball.”
Collins has 40 receptions for 550 yards and 3 touchdowns entering Week 11. He had four grabs for 79 yards against the Titans in their first meeting in Week 4.
Mills finished the game with 292 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception in starter C.J. Stroud’s place. Mills also praised Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley for not having “an ego at all.”
He also touted the environment in their quarterback room.
“I think that’s one of the strengths of our quarterback room. I think everyone has a very open dialogue, and we talk through pretty much all the play calls that are going in the plan, and people’s comfort levels,” Mills said.
“Even when I wasn’t playing, and C.J. was taking all the snaps throughout the game, there’s still kind of some dialogue to make sure, if you ever get thrown in there, what are some of your favorites as well. Because anything can happen on game day. So, I think that’s something that, just as a room. Most quarterback rooms throughout the league probably do that as well.”
Mills said Caley is “willing to take a shot” on ideas, so long as “it works” and “it’s sound football-wise.”
Mills spoke after the game about Danielle Hunter offering him words of encouragement during the Texans’ comeback.
He drew lofty praise from Will Anderson after leading them to victory.
“Man, I just seen a lion. I seen a lion on the hunt all day, man,” Anderson told reporters on November 9. “The way he led his troops, man. Up and down the field, man. He’s a star, and I’m happy to have him. He’s a blessing to this team. ‘Whenever your number is called …’ His number was called, and he delivered for us, man. And it’s really big for him, and this team.”
Whether Stroud returns to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 12 or not, Mills has made a strong impression on the Texans in his first starting stint since Week 18 of the 2022 season.