Tyrod Taylor makes the most of fresh start in Houston

The Houston Texans took the field with their Pro Bowl Quarterback and opened the season with a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Which was exactly how everyone expected the Tyrod Taylor era to start in Clutch City. In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last few months, the Houston Texans have to navigate this season without their franchise quarterback. Tyrod Taylor was signed this off-season, and he has been given the reigns to run the offense. Taylor finds himself on the fifth team in his 11-year career.

The Virginia Tech alum was a placeholder at best during his last two stops with the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Chargers. Both franchises drafted their future signal-callers in the first round and were looking to get them on the field.

Taylor was injured in both scenarios before relinquishing starting duties, including a freak accident in which he had his lung punctured by the medical staff in Los Angeles.

Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills gave Taylor his first opportunity to be the starting quarterback in 2015, and he took full advantage earning Pro Bowl honors. He spent three years in Buffalo and started 43 games, pushing the team to a playoff appearance in 2017 before moving on to Cleveland. Despite his success in Buffalo, the team was looking to move on to Nathan Peterman at the time.

Tyrod Taylor can be a franchise quarterback, he just needs the chance to do it

Throughout this career, Taylor has received the “game manager” tag as an efficient quarterback that won’t turn the ball over. Which is just a nice way of saying that while he won’t lose the game for your team, he also won’t be the difference-maker in why your team will win either. In fairness to Hampton, Virginia native, he has not been given a ton of chances to win with his arm.

Taylor’s 291 passing yards tied for the third-best output of his career. The game against the Jaguars on Sunday was only the fourth time in Taylor’s career that he attempted at least 30 passes in a game that his team won.

It is also only the 19th time in 58 games that he has thrown 30 passes. For reference, Deshaun Watson has reached the mark in 37 of the 54 games he has appeared in.

Offensive Coordinator Tim Kelly did a good job of trusting the veteran quarterback to move the sticks with his arm instead of just as a liaison between the center and running back. Brandin Cooks personally benefitted from Taylor showcasing his ability to throw downfield, catching 5 passes for 132 yards. Including receptions of 40 and 52 yards.

After an underwhelming 2020 regular season and an off-season of turmoil, this was a great home opener for the Houston Texan fans and the organization. Is this reason to believe the team will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy come season’s end?

No. But for Tyrod Taylor and the Houston Texans fanbase, it’s best to just enjoy it for what it is. A nice beginning to a fresh start.