Houston Texans Name Brian Hoyer Starting QB Yet Again

USA Today

The Houston Texans started the 2015 NFL season with Brian Hoyer as their starting quarterback. Although Ryan Mallett was in serious contention for the starting role, Hoyer beat him out in training camp and was the starter in Week 1.

Unfortunately, Hoyer was eventually benched in favor of Mallett due to poor play. Mallett had an opportunity to keep the job and lead the Texans to victories, but then fell short leading to Hoyer getting another chance.

After a poor performance early on against the divisional rival Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night, head coach Bill O’Brien chose to make a move once again. O’Brien talked about the move and the team’s struggles this season, via Tania Ganguli of ESPN:

“I think it’s 11 one-game seasons,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s the starter for Jacksonville. I think over the last two games, he’s gone in there with a really good attitude, with a calmness about him. Really good mechanics. Has he been perfect? No. … I think overall he’s played pretty well, so we’re going to go with him against Jacksonville.”

The Texans will go on the road in Week 6 to face a franchise that is equally struggling in the AFC South division. The Jacksonville Jaguars, as per usual, have struggled all season long and are also desperate for win, especially against a divisional opponent.

If Houston is unable to turn things around with Hoyer at the helm, the team may start making some drastic changes with O’Brien potentially on the hot seat. The Texans have arguably one of the best players in the NFL in J.J. Watt, but he isn’t being put to use on a team that simply can’t get back on track. O’Brien may shoulder the blame in the coming weeks if they can’t move in the right direction.