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Most improved player: S Lonnie Johnson Jr.

How they've improved: Johnson, who was drafted as a cornerback in the second round in 2019, is in his second season at safety. Safety Justin Reid said he can tell Johnson is getting more comfortable playing in defensive coordinator Lovie Smith's system, and now it's showing up on the field. Johnson had interceptions -- the first two of his career -- in back-to-back games in Weeks 4 and 5. -- Sarah Barshop

Davis Mills shredded the Patriots' defense in the way many expected Tom Brady to a week earlier. The third-round rookie washed away the memory of his four-INT Week 4 performance, setting career highs in passing yards (312) and touchdown passes (3) in a narrow 25-22 loss. Davis' productive day was especially impressive considering Bill Belichick's typical mastery over rookie quarterbacks as New England's head coach: The Hooded One moved to 22-6 against first-year QBs, but this one wasn't a laugher like many of the others. The only Texan player seeing ghosts on this day was Ka'imi Fairbairn, who missed a field goal and two PATs. Ka'nt do that.

Davis Mills showed well in the loss to the Patriots. That's a good sign for the future. Could he be their guy when Deshaun Watson is traded?

Their season was pretty well summed up by Cameron Johnston's 0-yard punt Sunday, which ricocheted off teammate Terrence Brooks.

Breakout player: We're not going to say Davis Mills turned the corner and actually looked like an NFL quarterback against the Patriots ... but if you say it, we won't disagree too loudly. The rookie made all the different kinds of throws you're supposed to and finished with three touchdown passes and 312 passing yards, completing 72.4 percent. He didn't even throw an interception. Mills became the only rookie not named Russell Wilson to throw three TDs against a Bill Belichick defense. Houston fans may have even forgotten they have Deshaun Watson and don't play him. ... Too much?