Bill O’Brien needs Texans QBs to pick up system ‘quickly’

Dec 1, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at Reliant Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Following the third day of the Houston Texans OTAs, Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien was asked about how his quarterbacks were picking up his offensive system, with it being his first year at the helm of the Texans.

The QBs for the Texans are veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, along with T.J. Yates, Case Keenum and rookie Tom Savage.

Keenum started eight games last season for the Texans, while Yates does have a playoff win in 2011 and Fitzpatrick played for the Tennessee Titans one season ago.

Keenum finished with 1,760 yards in eight starts with nine touchdowns and six interceptions. His QB rating was 78.2.

Savage played last season at the collegiate level for the Pittsburgh Panthers.

O’Brien didn’t hold back when speaking abut his QBs late this week:

"“Each guy learns at a different pace, no matter what position you play. Saying that, the quarterbacks have to really pick it up fairly quickly. They have got to get going. To me, what I’ve seen with especially the three guys that have been here with Ryan (Fitzpatrick), T.J. (Yates) and Case (Keenum), those guys have picked it up, for this point in time with where we’re at, pretty well.”"

This is the most interesting battle for the Texans this offseason, and probably the most important.

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No, this battle is the most important.

O’Brien also said the following about the QBs:

"“They’re obviously studying it the night before. They’re able to go out there and lead the offense because they have the knowledge of the whole play. I’ve been pleased with their progress to this point.”"

I really believe the play of Keenum will be much improved this offseason. I’m not saying he is going to be the starter, but he won’t make the choice easy for O’Brien and the Texans offensive coaching staff.

We know what the Texans are getting with Yates and Fitzpatrick as neither are a long-term solution for this franchise, but with Keenum and Savage … maybe one of them are.

We’ll just have to let this offseason play out and see what occurs.

O’Brien quotes provided by the Houston Texans Media Dept.