The Houston Texans will put the NFL preseason in the rearview following Saturday's finale against the Detroit Lions. Head coach DeMeco Ryans' Texans have been competing against Dan Campbell's Lions in joint practices throughout the week, proving that they can hang with one of the league's best squads and filling fans with optimism before the regular season begins.
A handful of Texans stood out for all the right reasons against the Lions during practice, including star wide receiver Nico Collins. The two-time 1,000-yard playmaker couldn't be contained by Detroit's defenders all week long, which was par for the course amid an offseason where Collins has consistently stood out in practice.
No one would blame Collins for relishing the spotlight he's been receiving, but that's not who he is. The Texans' WR1 is a team player in every sense of the word, and he proved that by crediting two teammates for his recently improved play.
Texans WR Nico Collins returns the compliment given by CB Kamari Lassiter and thanks Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr. for helping him take his game to the next level. #Texans #Sarge #TexansTailgateTalk pic.twitter.com/Z8qdZEfGyO
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) August 23, 2025
Texans WR Nico Collins Credits CBs Kamari Lassiter, Derek Stingley Jr. for Improved Play
The Texans own one of the NFL's most promising secondaries this season, and their collection of defensive backs has forced their pass-catchers to step up. No one knows that better than Collins, who recently credited cornerbacks Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr. for forcing him to become a better receiver.
"We go against two All-Pro corners every day. If you're lining up, you know it's going to be a competitive rep," Collins said (h/t @BigSargeSportz). "I feel like it's only right when you're going against the best. Iron sharpens iron every day. I'm glad we get to go against each other."
Going up against elite ballhawks like Lassiter and Stingley can be frustrating, so it's great to see how Collins views facing the duo as a learning experience. Not only will the 26-year-old wideout be a better player for it, but having to defend him also gives the CB duo a reason to improve.
Expectations are high for Stingley after signing a $90 million contract earlier this offseason. The former LSU Tiger was one of the NFL's best corners with an 84.4 Pro Football Focus coverage grade (2nd-best), resulting in his first-ever Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro nods. He also now has 36 defended passes and 11 interceptions in 37 career starts.
Meanwhile, Lassiter's stock is on the rise after tallying 10 broken-up passes and three INTs across 14 outings in his rookie season. The second-year Texans CB had the 12th-best PFF coverage grade (77.5) among eligible corners, and has kept his foot on the gas pedal with a strong training camp, which includes the following defended pass against Collins (h/t @TexansJacob).
Kamari Lassiter 🔐 on this Nico Collins fade ball today in the Texans scrimmage
— Jacob (@TexansJacob) August 7, 2025
(🎥: @HoustonTexans IG Stories) pic.twitter.com/6OZYNJElQP
Collins, Stingley, and Lassiter are important pieces of the Texans' present and future. The trio continuing to bring out the best in each other bodes well for Houston's outlook, especially if winning a third straight AFC South title is the top priority this season.