Should Houston Texans Reconsider A Quarterback Trade?
By Erik Lambert
Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
One preseason game isn’t enough reason for a knee-jerk reaction, but should the Houston Texans seriously reconsider trading for quarterback?
Ryan Fitzpatrick inspired little confidence against Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback was viewed as the primary problem for the Texans at the end of the 2013 season. Experts fully expected the team to address the position at some point either with an aggressive free agency pursuit or high draft pick. Instead head coach Bill O’Brien settled for journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick and invested a modest 4th round pick on Pitt product Tom Savage. Neither looked anything like a front line starter in the opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Fitzpatrick completed fewer than half his passes for 55 yards and threw two interceptions. Savage connected on just two passes for 14 yards. The Houston Texans offense failed to score any points on the night, leaving the question alive on whether they made a mistake.
Kirk Cousins and Ryan Mallett remain options
If it was a mistake, the question then becomes do they still have time to fix it? For months there were rumors that Houston was in the market to possibly trade for a quarterback, preferably somebody young but with knowledge of pro offenses. The hot name at the time was Ryan Mallett, the New England Patriots backup to Tom Brady. A former star at Arkansas, he has wowed with his arm strength in camp this year and appears ready for a starting gig despite his somewhat quiet preseason opener. At the same time, another prominent backup in Kirk Cousins had an outstanding debut for the Washington Redskins. Both are more experienced than Savage and more talented than Fitzpatrick.
If the Texans have their eye on winning in 2014, that trade option should stay open.