Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) gestures against the San Francisco 49ers in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback competition gets going
Last week Brian Hoyer started at quarterback and got to play one series with the team, and looked rather impressive (and this is coming from one of his biggest critics). After completing two passes on four tries the team scored on a 58 harder to Cecil Shorts III.
Hoyer quickly came to the sidelines and it was Ryan Mallett‘s turn to play. He also impressed as he completed ten of his 11 throws on the night, although he never really tested the deep ball.
Tonight Mallett gets his shot with the first team as he is slated to start the game against the Broncos. What interests me most is seeing if the field is opened more for Mallett with the ones. Will O’Brien and company let Mallett take a shot or two downfield and see how he works with receivers DeAndre Hopkins, Nate Washington and Shorts? Or do they keep him corralled like last week?
Conversely with Hoyer does he end up playing more time this week? He was pulled very quick and in a competition for a starting job it would have been nice to see more of the former Cleveland Brown at the helm. Perhaps this week the starting job means Mallett gets one series like Hoyer did, then the baton is passed off.
While coach O’Brien says the decision is not close, there is a chance the starting job can be won tonight. If Mallet is unable to produce a scoring drive and Hoyer comes off the bench and moves the ball as quickly and efficiently as he did last week, this thing could be over faster than we thought.
I have a feeling though that Mallett will come out and show everyone why he was so highly touted coming out of Arkansas.
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