Texans hand the keys to Mallet, “You’ve got to start somewhere”
Nov 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Today, the Texans head coach Bill O’Brien sat down with his quarterbacks and informed them of changes. Ryan Fitzpatrick likely saw his last game as a teams starting quarterback against the Eagles. Ryan Mallett, the New England Patriots 2011, 3rd draft pick to play understudy to Tom Brady and traded earlier this year to the Texans was named the teams starter moving forward. Before you say anything, take a moment to recognize everything Fitzpatrick did for this team. A 3-1 start that gave hope. He’s poured his heart into this team and tried with everything he had to get things going. Unfortunately for both he and the Texans it just didn’t work out. A tip of the hat to you Mr. Fitzpatrick, whatever maybe said of your career, effort and toughness were never in doubt.
Mallett has been waiting since his college career ended to get the nod and step into a live NFL game with the reigns of a team. The situation is not ideal, a 4-5 team with a struggling offense and fading chances to have a meaningful season isn’t the way you want to start your career. Just ask Case Keenum. However, if Mallett is as good as he thinks he is this could be the start of something wonderful for Houston. Settling the question of “quarterback of the future” is now in his hands. We’ll know by the middle of December if he’s just a “Brady backup” or if the Texans will have to find a way to resign him as his rookie contract is about to expire. For all parties, that’s the ideal problem to have moving forward.
More from Houston Texans News
- Houston Texans Draft: Michael Mayer should be a no doubter at pick 12
- Houston Texans already telling fans the Davis Mills era is over
- Houston Texans have hand forced, waste no time in firing Lovie Smith
- Houston Texans: Pros and Cons of keeping Head Coach Lovie Smith
- There is just one way the Texans can lose the No. 1 pick
Fitzpatrick will now hold the clipboard and try to be the best teammate he can be. Bill O’Brien was asked if there were concerns with Mallett’s lack of experience in games, his answer? “You’ve got to start somewhere.” That somewhere is the Dawg Pound, facing former Brady backup Brian Hoyer. How Mallett’s size and arm strength chances the Texans approach remains to be seen but one can only imagine this will be the game the tight ends start seeing real action. Consider the Patriots reliance and it’s easy to see this game being their break out moment. A new quarterback, thrust into the game who will when pressured fall into training. That training means the tight ends better be ready to catch some passes.
A bad day for the Texans in that their starter is benched, a worse day for Fitzpatrick. No one likes to get fired, and this is the NFL equivalent of being fired. But there is hope and Mallett has his shot, four years in the making to prove he is worthy to be called an NFL Quarterback.
Keep your browsers here to the Torotimes for all your Texans news and insight!
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Twitter!
*Quotes provided courtesy of the Houston Texans PR Department.