NFL Houston Texans

Houston Texans Make Right Call Starting Ryan Mallett

Fresh Videos

By

Ryan Mallett

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

There was plenty of speculation heading into Week 10 that the Houston Texans were looking to make a switch at quarterback. Well that speculation has evolved into reality, as the team has announced that Ryan Mallett will be their starter going forward.

After leading the Texans to a 4-5 record through the first half of the season, Ryan Fitzpatrick fell under slight scrutiny due to his average performances and lofty turnover totals. He’s always been seen as a capable starter, but doesn’t offer enough talent to turn a middle-of-the-road team into a playoff team.

While the Texans have no idea whether or not Mallett can be what turns their season around, they won’t know until they give him a shot.

Earlier this season, Houston sent a 2016 conditional late-round pick to the New England Patriots in return for Mallett. Since joining the Texans, he’s served as Fitzpatrick’s backup, but has only seen four snaps (all of which were runs). He’s obviously shown some promise since entering the NFL in 2011, but has yet to make a start and is still far from proven.

Luckily for Mallett, the Texans are on bye in Week 10. This will give him just under two weeks to prepare for his first start, which will come against a beatable Cleveland Browns defense. Between now and then, expect head coach Bill O’Brien and his staff to be working overtime to make sure their young gunslinger is ready for his first appearance on the big stage.

While Mallett is still essentially one big question mark, he possesses far more upside than Fitzpatrick. The Texans obviously want to know what they have in him, and can’t afford to wait until next season to find out. Mallett starting in Week 11 will give them an opportunity to gauge his future value.

It’s certainly a roll of the dice, but the Texans are making the right call by starting Mallett.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on