
Mandatory Credit: Photo by John Locher/AP/Shutterstock (13489109bb) Houston Texans tight end Jordan Akins makes a catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, in Las Vegas Texans Raiders Football, Las Vegas, United States – 23 Oct 2022
Akins: Texans need “just a little more”
After nine games, the frustration is evident for a team that seems to be just short each week.
Houston Texans tight end Jordan Akins has been one of the few bright spots for the team this season. Head coach Lovie Smith has previously noted how Akins has been an impactful player, done everything they could ask, and is someone he wants to get more involved in the game plan.
After posting three receptions for a team-high 72 yards in Week 10 vs. the New York Giants, including a 46-yard catch and run that he was asked about Tuesday, Akins stated how much he takes pride in his blocking:
“Pretty much just doing my job whether it’s special teams, kickoff return. I think I had some nice blocks that sprung number one (Tremon Smith) open a little bit. Open it up a little bit for the kickoff game. As far as the one play, just doing my job, blocking. Whenever I get an opportunity to make a play and then as well in the run game.”
Despite the team’s commitment to the run game, Akins admitted that trailing late has the team relying on the passing game in the fourth quarter:
“I think at that point in that game; we’re playing catch up. Of course, we air it out, try to make big plays happen. As far as that, we just have to execute and do better in the red zone. That we stay away from third downs, just move the ball more and get down the field more.”
Akins expressed the offense feels the frustration of their shortcomings, and they have to push harder:
“You get frustrated when you’re not winning. We’re trying to do more, come together, do more off the field, come together as a team and just push each other more inside the building as well. Practice harder, study more, do just a little more.”