C.J. Stroud might have won the game, but even he knows he wouldn’t have survived another close call on Sunday without Nico Collins.
At this point, the rest of the NFL better take notice.
Collins entered Sunday as the league’s leading receiver with 338 yards. He’ll leave Sunday’s 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a league-leading 489 yards after setting a Houston Texans’ franchise record.
ICYMI: NICO COLLINS IS BALLING
pic.twitter.com/l5qzAj0BVi
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 29, 2024
“It’s no surprise to me with what Nico has done because you watch him work throughout the week. He’s one of the hardest workers on our team, shows up every single day ready to work, and he’s doing it in practice, and it shows up in the game,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said postgame.
For the third time in four games, Collins surpassed the 100-yard marker while totaling 12 catches for 151 yards. He also scored his second touchdown of the season on a 3-yard pass from Stroud in the second quarter to give Houston a 14-7 lead.
Nico Collins is so underpaid it’s not even funny. His contract is, was and will continue to be an ABSOLUTE STEAL.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 29, 2024
Collins’ 489 yards mark the fastest start for a Texans’ receiver in franchise history, surpassing DeAndre Hopkins’ record for yards through four games.
His 30 catches also rank among the top 10 in receptions nationally.
“He’s open, but he’s also so competitive at the catch point,” Ryans said. “He’s a strong, physical, fast, and big receiver. That’s an easy target for C.J. and Nico has showed up every time that we needed him.”
Collins is on pace for 122 catches, 2,078 yards and 11 touchdowns. What’s the biggest reason for his success? According to him, it’s knowing that there’s more ahead.
WR production this season
Nico Collins: 489 yards, 3 TDs
Jags WRs combined: 585 yards, 4 TDspic.twitter.com/sD04RtKEI2
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) September 29, 2024
“I feel like there’s always room for improvement on your game. My mindset, man, don’t get too comfortable,” Collins said. “Continue to build, continue to take care of my body, continue to be available for the team and just let the rest be the rest. Let all the pieces will fall into place.”
For his efforts, Collins is Texans Wire’s Player of the Week for Week 4. He’s the fourth recipient of the honor, joining running back Joe Mxion, kicker Kai’imi Fairbairn and fellow receiver Stefon Diggs.
The Texans return to NRG Stadium on Sunday to face the Buffalo Bills.