Is Ryan Mallett an upgrade for the Texans over Fitzpatrick?
Nov 16, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) throws a pass during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
When the Texans stepped on to the field against the Cleveland Browns, no one knew what to expect from the four year rookie Ryan Mallett. While he was supposed to be in on the system head coach Bill O’Brien was installing, how he’d handle himself in a real game situation and his leadership skills were all giant question marks. The only thing anyone really knew was that Mallett has a big arm and knows the offensive scheme.
Through 9 games Texans fans got familiar with Ryan Fitzpatrick and all the things that happen when he’s under center. No one doubted his effort or meta-level football knowledge his performance was better then his ten year average, but only slightly so. Leading the Texans offense to a 4-5 start got him benched, the reason why he was benched was on full display Sunday as the Texans dismantled the Browns.
1. Arm Strength.
This might be cheating, but it’s hard to overstate just how different the Texans offense was with a no kidding deep pass threat opposed to just short passes and running the ball. The Browns were forced to always be wary that Mallett might just launch a ball to the far side of the field for a big gain. No one feared that with Fitzpatrick under center. This freed up Alfred Blue as the Browns were unable to just stack the box and try to cover short dink and dunk passing.
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2. Arm Speed.
Mallett was hit a couple of times, but never sacked. In fact aside a couple of close but not threatening moments he never was under any real threat of being sacked. This is because he didn’t hold the ball for long, didn’t try to roll out and extend the play. He trusted he could get the ball out and hit receivers. The wide receivers, and yes even the tight ends are going to have to get used to rockets flying at them as long as Mallett is quarterbacking the offense. Again this helps the run as coverage backs and safeties can’t rely on watching Mallett, blink and the ball is 40 yards down the field.
Nov 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Connor Barwin (98) applies pressure to Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. The Eagles defeated the Texans 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
3. Tempo
While we saw some sped up play from Fitzpatrick he never was able to lead more then a couple of drives at a high pace for the Texans. In fact, I’d go far as to say that Mallett’s commanding leadership allowed the Texans to play faster for the course of the game then they had all season. One play would end and before the defense could get lined up right or react to the formation Mallett was ready to go. Fitzpatrick never got that same rhythm going. Again this helped the running game, which in turned allowed Mallett to go 20-30 with 2 TD’s and a lone INT that was more effort from the corner back then bad pass from him.
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4. Mobility.
Fitzpatrick has this, and the beard, hands down. While that allowed him to get free to make some nice plays or move the ball up it also turned into losses and drive stopping momentum changes. While he can run like a man possessed showing no fear that really didn’t translate into winning moments. His best survival moves eventually became his downfall I should think. Too quick to pull the ball, to many attempts to force the impossible.
Granted, this was one game, against a Browns team that had nothing to prepare with as Fitzpatrick was a practical blank slate. The Bengals now have a very good idea what to expect against the Texans and are even now pouring over every play looking for weaknesses in both Mallett and their own scheme against such a player. Mallett has his first win, the next won’t be so easy. HE did bring hope to a Texans team that was losing faith and fans losing patience. It’s obvious the Texans have an upgrade at quarterback over Fitzpatrick but is Mallett a long term solution? Time will tell, but signs are pointing up at this early stage.
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