Houston Texans: These three areas must improve in 2015
By Randy Gurzi
Aug 7, 2015; Richmond, VA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) prepares to throw the ball during joint practice with the Washington Redskins as part of day eight of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
In the AFC South there is a first overall pick in Andrew Luck, a second overall in Marcus Mariota and a third overall pick in Blake Bortles. Houston, the fourth team in that conference, has a third round selection from the Patriots in Ryan Mallett and a guy who was undrafted by the Patriots and allowed to walk out in Cleveland, Brian Hoyer.
I know that sounds less than flattering, but at least Mallett and Hoyer have seemed to be making strides this offseason and have looked more impressive than the stable of passers Houston brought into camp last season.
The 2014 starter Ryan Fitzpatrick was good last year before he got hurt, but was not asked to do too much. Hoyer and Mallett both have experience with coach Bill in New England and have a much better understanding of what is expected.
In order to get the most out of this position, I believe the starting job needs to be decided upon quickly. Prolonged battles have not worked out much at all.
In Cleveland there was not just the Johnny Manziel vs. Hoyer fiasco from last year, but also the Derek Anderson against Brady Quinn mishap which went on for years.
Houston should allow each quarterback some time in the preseason with the starters and name the winner by week three. This would allow the top guy to come into the third preseason game, which is usually referred to as a dress rehearsal.
This will allow whoever is declared the winner an opportunity to establish themselves as a leader and work with the best players against the best players the opposition has to offer.
For what it is worth, despite Hoyer’s praise this season, Mallett looks to me like the best chance Houston has at winning now. Hoyer has never been much more than a game manager, whereas Mallett was an explosive talent during his days in the SEC and also showed some promise in his one healthy start in 2014.