Why the Houston Texans Must Take Teddy Bridgewater
By Erik Lambert
Dec 15, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis (98) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) in the end zone during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts won 25-3. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Playing around with the notion of Jadeveon Clowney or Anthony Barr joining J.J. Watt on the defensive front of the Houston Texans was fun while it lasted. After another offensive implosion though, it is clearer than ever that they won’t regain their winning ways until they fix the quarterback position. Teddy Bridgewater is their best shot.
Matt Schaub had his run and Case Keenum is a backup
Two Pro Bowl appearances is nothing to scoff at. It shows that Matt Schaub was a really good quarterback for a period of time. Unfortunately his run came to end at a bad time for a Texans team thinking Super Bowl. Whatever magic the former backup had is gone and he’s only getting older. As for rookie Case Keenum. The kid has some likeable traits including good mobility and athleticism. However, his skill set doesn’t fit the mold of a starter in the NFL. Keenum has the look of a perfect backup, one who can come in and make some plays for his team while the starter heals up. Beyond that there isn’t much more he can do. Hence why the Texans are grasping the #1 pick in the 2014 draft.
Bridgewater holds key similarities to Russell Wilson
So why is Teddy Bridgewater the pick? For the most part it’s because he has the complete package physically. He’s big at 6’3″ with the arm to make any throw, the accuracy to hit receivers in stride and makes good decisions with the football. Mobility also isn’t a problem. Where he begins to separate himself is in the mental side of the game, the intangibles. Bridgewater embraces the cerebral side to football, watching countless hours of film and burying his nose in his playbook. Leadership also isn’t a problem as he regularly showed an ability to elevate his teammates when the pressure was on. Several scouts have compared his traits to Seattle star Russell Wilson. Considering Bridgewater is four inches taller, that makes him an ideal pick.
Rookie would have Andre Johnson and stout offensive line
Most importantly though is the situation. The Houston Texans aren’t in the same predicament they’ve been in before when selecting quarterbacks that high. This time they have the personnel in place to help a young quarterback thrive. If Bridgewater lands there he would have Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins on the outside to throw to, Arian Foster coming back from injury to run the ball and a stout offensive line led by Pro Bowl tackle Duane Brown. Many rookies have walked into far worse circumstances when starting their NFL careers.
To think Teddy Bridgewater would make the second #1 overall draft pick to enter the AFC South in three years (Andrew Luck in 2012) makes this division very interesting to watch over the next decade. That’s provided the Houston Texans do the right thing.