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5 times the Houston Texans thought they had a franchise quarterback

By Randy Gurzi

Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) throws in the pocket against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) throws in the pocket against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Houston Texans helmet in the hands of a player against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Houston Texans helmet in the hands of a player against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

1. David Carr

This is the one that stings most. The Houston Texans first ever selection as a franchise was used on the Fresno State star David Carr, and he was supposed to be the cornerstone of the team for the next decade or more.

Instead, Carr lasted just five seasons in Houston and wound up with a record of 22 wins and 53 losses.

After their inaugural game win against their in-state rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, things got ugly for Carr. He was sacked 76 times as a rookie and the poor offensive line never really protected him any better going forward.

The former college star became gun shy and his passes never looked as crisp as they once had. Carr threw for 13,391 yards in Houston but had more interceptions (65) than touchdowns (59) and was let go after the 2006 season, never leading the team past seven wins as a starter.

Carr then served as a backup for the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers before calling it quits in 2013.

The team was so stung by the failure of the David Carr era that they decided to pass on his younger brother Derek Carr in the 2014 NFL Draft despite having a huge need for a passer and having him sitting there at pick number 33. Instead, Houston picked a guard and the younger Carr has thrown almost as many touchdowns in two seasons (53) as his brother did for his whole career (65).

Next: Houston Texans best 15 draft picks of all-time

Hopefully the Osweiler era is finally the one that finally pays off.

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