Texans Quarterback competition is “wide open”
Next up, the Texans first ever post season winning quarterback, T.J. Yates.
Sep 29, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (13) after a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Thrust into starting in 2011 after Matt Schaub went down in a prior game and Matt Leinart broke his collar bone. Yates is a serviceable quarterback very much in the mold of a Kubiak groomed pocket passer. The knocks against him are a tendency to check down at the first sign of trouble and like Schaub, prone to interceptions. However were those mental lapses or a failed offense that was imploding before our eyes? I tend to say it’s a little of both. He’s a good kid, strong player and well liked by the team by all accounts. After failing in the playoffs to Baltimore then adding to the 2013 interception consecutive streak fans are leery of seeing Yates as the starter. Which isn’t entirely fair, but that’s football for ya.
Finally, our 2014 Draft Choice, Tom Savage.
May 17, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) participates in rookie mini-camp at Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Savage wins on cool name factor, however his football resume is less impressive. Having moved schools and missed some time due to NCAA rules, Savage none the less has raw talent and high potential. It also helps when the head coach not only likes you but has a history of taking young raw talent and molding it into success. Unless Savage gets out in practice and just blows everyone away, expect him to sit and learn this year. If the team struggles or like Yates he’s the last man standing at some point in the season he might get some time later in the year. But that’s not the ideal for the Texans or their fans. He’s got potential, now can OB1 coach it out of him and can he rise to the occasion? Time will tell on that one.
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