Oct 6, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) reacts towards the sideline before running a play against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Texans 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The question of the day for the Houston Texans and fans is: Should Matt Schaub be benched this week against the St. Louis Rams?
First off, lets take a look at the options. There is Schaub who is in a drastic slump right now with his quarterbacking abilities. There is T.J. Yates who hasn’t started a game since the 2011 postseason. Then there is the unknown in rookie Case Keenum who has been on the inactive list all season. He is the wild card.
So, with those three options, which will give the Texans the absolute best shot at winning this Sunday against the Rams and beyond? Both teams are 2-3 this season.
My choice is Schaub.
It may be an unpopular decision, but if Yates was ready to be a full-time starter in the NFL wouldn’t the Texans have went to him before Schaub threw three interceptions in a game?
If Keenum was NFL ready, wouldn’t he have be at least activated by now, especially with the QB situation being such a mess?
Now, don’t get me wrong, Schaub needs to improve quickly and improve greatly, because a couple more games like the mess we all witnessed last night and he might be holding the clip board.
Though right now, in Week 6, I can’t call for Schaub to ride the pine. Once the Texans bench Schaub before the start of a game, there is no way to ever start him in a game again in Houston, barring injury to the replacement.
It could turn into a Josh Freeman situation like the one Tampa Bay just had.
This week, Schaub was 19-of-35 for 173 yards and no touchdowns, along with the three interceptions against a very solid 49ers defense. His first pass was for the pick-six that sat an NFL record, one no quarterback wants. His pick-six ability has become a common occurrence the past four games for a new NFL record.
Schaub’s overall numbers for the season aren’t all that great either (1,366 yards, eight touchdowns, nine interceptions). I get it, but not all of the past three losses should go on Schaub’s shoulders either.
The offensive line does allow a lot of pressure on passing plays, there have been some untimely penalties for the Texans on both sides of the ball and let’s not forget, even though the defense is great this season, they have allowed some touchdown drives as well.
These three losses have been team failures, and the person in charge of that is head coach Gary Kubiak.
Again some, but not all, of the blame does go to Schaub, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t see the other two QBs on the roster giving the Texans a chance to improve in the grand scheme of the regular season.
What are your thoughts on the Texans’ QB situation headed into the sixth game of the season?