WHEN THE TEXANS PASS

Rookie Davis Mills has to blow off his performance against the Bills. He threw four interceptions and had a 23.4 rating. It was his first bad performance. If he cuts down on poor decisions and poor throws, he’ll show the kind of improvement the coaches want. Mills is a pocket passer who can slide to avoid the rush. He has to learn to throw the ball away rather than trying to force completions. Mills has one productive receiver in Brandin Cooks. New England’s defensive backs will do everything possible to blanket Cooks. Danny Amendola returns from a thigh injury to play against his former team. Expect Mills to look for him on the short routes in the middle of the field. Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly needs to get tight end Pharaoh Brown involved early in the passing game. This is a tough assignment for Mills going against a New England defense that’s overseen by Bill Belichick and is fourth against the pass (185 yards a game). The Patriots’ leading pass rusher is outside linebacker Matt Judon, who has 4½ sacks. He gave the Texans fits when he played for the Ravens. Outside linebacker Josh Uche is second to Judon with three sacks. Expect the Patriots to smother the run and come after Mills from every angle.