C.J. Stroud has an abundance of weapons surrounding him in his sophomore season with the Texans. He's found one of those talents especially useful in Houston's clash with the Bears on Sunday night in Week 2.
Nico Collins put forth a wondrous first-half showing against Chicago. The Michigan alum flashed his impressive route-running, game-breaking speed, and toughness, proving equal parts fire and ice for a Texans side hoping to push its record to 2-0 to start its campaign.
Here's a look at Collins' numbers on Sunday night, another glittering performance in a tape increasingly filled with them for the Pinson, Ala., native.
MORE: Follow Bears-Texans SNF live
Halftime score: Texans 16, Bears 10
Collins wowed in the first half of Sunday night's contest, emerging time and time again in space to provide a safety blanket for C.J. Stroud. The fourth-year pass-catcher hauled in a touchdown pass from 28 yards out to spark his impressive display. He followed it up with an acrobatic one-handed snag along the sideline, a catch that helped the Texans manufacture an additional three points via a lengthy Ka'imi Fairbairn field goal at the end of the half.
All that amounted to a five-catch, 86-yard first half showing, his third-most productive half since entering the league (in terms of yardage accumulated). In a WR room that includes Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, Collins has been the standout figure. It was his production, coupled with that of Stroud, that helped Houston build up a six-point edge in the game's first 30 minutes.
Collins' Big Play Highlights
Collins had a handful of eye-catching moments in Sunday night's matchup. He first captured the camera's glare with a 28-yard score, prancing through the secondary after reeling in an inch-perfect Stroud dart. He finished off the move with aplomb, even shoving his marker as he crossed the plane.
RIGHT OVER THE MIDDLE 🎯📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/a7NDy99piP
The hits kept coming for Collins as the half wore on. The 25-year old captivated audiences with a bobbling one-handed grab in front of Kevin Byard as the half neared its close.
THAT'S A CATCH ‼️📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/tlx0Gc5nHq
That snag brought Houston to Chicago's 36-yard line with 17 seconds left on the clock. Three plays later, Fairbairn's 59-yard attempt found its target, doubling the Texans' lead — and reaffirming Collins' influence over the team's scoring capabilities.
A Proven Threat
Collins' display on Sunday night showcased his potential to be a game-changer for the Texans. In a game where the offense was firing on all cylinders, he was the catalyst. He was an integral part in propelling the Texans to their second victory in as many games. Collins' impact was evident from the very beginning, culminating with his clutch one-handed grab, which ultimately led to a field goal. Collins was a force to be reckoned with, and his performance was a testament to his growth. He has blossomed into a reliable target for Stroud and a true threat on the field. In a week where the Texans looked like a team with a lot of promise, Collins' performance was a major reason why.
A Powerful Presence
Collins' ability to make big plays and dominate his opponents on the field is not simply limited to his athleticism. It's also a result of the mental toughness that he has cultivated over his time in the NFL. He is not afraid to face his adversaries head-on, showcasing the same aggression and fierceness that has made him a fan favorite. Collins' performance was a testament to his intangibles—his grit and willpower that are evident on every play.
A Standout in a Strong WR Room
Collins, who now boasts 252 receiving yards through two games, is part of a talented wide receiver corps for the Texans. Alongside standout players like Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, Collins is making his mark. It is the Texans' ability to leverage the talent of their dynamic receiving corps that makes them a true threat in the NFL. They are a team that possesses both speed and power, making them capable of exploiting any defense.
The Future is Bright
It's safe to say that the Houston Texans are a team on the rise, and Collins is one of the biggest reasons why. He is a cornerstone of their offensive scheme. His ability to make game-changing plays makes him a critical part of their success. If he continues to play at this level, he'll be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. He's a player with limitless potential and the Texans are reaping the rewards.
David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News.
