How John Metchie’s Absence Will Impact the Texans Receiving Group
Hopefully he has a full recovery and can return to the gridiron in the future. Unfortunately, that comeback likely will not be this season as Metchie fights his illness.
As a result, the Texans will be down a man who some anticipated to compete for the wide receiver two position on the team.
What will the loss of the rookie wide receiver bring for the Texans’ pass-catching group?
Brandin Cooks – the man who was above John Metchie
The only man on the team who, for sure, was ahead of Metchie was Cooks. As such, things don’t look too different for his outlook this season.
Cooks, an eight-year veteran, has had 1,000 or more receiving yards in six of the eight years he has been in the league. Every year he had over 55 catches, Cooks had over 1,000 receiving yards.
In the campaigns Cooks didn’t reach 1,000 yards he dealt with injury. He is one of the most underrated players in the league today.
As long as he can stay the course, Cooks should be an elite wide receiver again.
Nico Collins – the man who expected to compete with John Metchie
Collins’ roster spot was safe. However, his place on the depth chart was in flux until Metchie’s diagnosis.
As a result, Collins is likely the wide receiver two on the Texans for the second year in a row.
Collins was not spectacular last season, but not many rookies show that “wow” factor in just eight starts. He had just 60 targets as a rookie while the Texans played musical chairs with the quarterback position.
Consequently, Collins never got into a groove with either Davis Mills or Tyrod Taylor. This year should be different.
Mills is the starting quarterback for the team, barring something unforeseen occurring. As that is the case, Collins can build a rapport with Mills. This chemistry-building process could benefit the young receiver as he could gain his quarterback’s trust.
That could result in more looks coming his way. Additionally, it could lead to more career success.
Phillip Dorsett – the deep threat
Not much changed for Dorsett’s role on the team. He is a deep threat. Dorsett had a 4.33 second 40-yard dash time at the 2015 draft combine.
Dorsett is among the fastest receivers in the game. However, his route running abilities have not improved much as a professional.
As a result, people viewed him as a deep ball receiver for most of his career. That has not changed with Metchie’s news.
Brevin Jordan – the presumed starting tight end
Sure, Jordan is not a wide receiver, but he is a valuable pass catcher on the Texans. As such, Metchie’s diagnosis impacted Jordan’s outlook for 2022.
Although Jordan was in a committee at the position last year, he seems primed to be the guy this season.
Jordan Akins, the leader of last year’s group, moved during free agency. That leaves Jordan and Pharaoh Brown.
While Brown is no slouch and will get targeted in the offense, Jordan bested him in most statistics in 2021. As such, Jordan should be the starting tight end for the Texans.
Akins had 33 targets last season. Most of those likely go Jordan’s way.
Although it is a relatively small projected increase in looks, they shouldn’t be overlooked. Each target is valuable and can go a long way in either making or breaking a player’s season.
The projected increase might not have come to fruition if Metchie were healthy. However, due to unfortunate circumstances, Jordan could be a solid tight end for the upcoming season.
