Can Houston Texans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick limit interceptions in ’14?

Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

If there is a No. 1 flaw in the game of Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick it is his ability to throw way too many interceptions.

In just the past five seasons (Fitzpatrick has played in the NFL since ’05) the current starter of the Texans has had no less than 10 interceptions per season, and for the Texans to have any success offensively this season, Fitzpatrick MUST put an end to that trend.

This is Fitzpatrick’s first season with the Texans.

Here are Fitzpatrick’s interception numbers since the 2009 season:

• 2009: 10 interceptions
• 2010: 15 interceptions
• 2011: 23 interceptions
• 2012: 16 interceptions
• 2013: 12 interceptions

That is a total of 76 interceptions in a five-year period. For his NFL career (which began in ’05) he has 93 interceptions total.

I know Fitzpatrick also has 106 career touchdown passes, but we all know too well exactly how interceptions can hurt a team in the win column. Need I mention all the interceptions returned for touchdowns by former Texans starting QB Matt Schaub last season?

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I’ve been saying this all offesason … for the Texans to make a difference in the standings this year, they will have to be crisper on offense, and cut down the mistakes. Fitzpatrick is mistake prone when it comes to throwing interceptions.

Texans QB coach George Godsey said of Fitzpatrick on Wednesday:

"“It’s a new year for Ryan and it’s a new system for Ryan. From being out there at practice, I think that’s some of the things that we try not to put him into those situations that maybe he’s not comfortable with. Those are the things that as a first year working together that we’re using this time to finalize.”"

In ’13 the Texans were tied for the third most interceptions in the NFL with 22 allowed. The New York Giants threw the most interceptions with 29. If the Texans have thoughts of winning an AFC South title this season, interceptions by Fitzpatrick must be held at a minimum in ’14.