Houston Texans Go Experience With Brian Hoyer Choice

Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) directs his team in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Despite what was admittedly an even battle for most of training camp and the preseason between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett, the decision came down to practicality for Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien. In a season with high expectations following a 9-7 finished in 2014, he decided that having somebody experienced under center was one of the biggest keys.

Sources: The #Texans have named Brian Hoyer as their starting QB to begin the 2015 season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 24, 2015

Hoyer had something Mallett didn’t at the start of this competition, which was a full seasons’ worth of games under his belt. Dating back to 2012 with the Arizona Cardinals, Hoyer has started 17 times. His longest stretch came last year with the Cleveland Browns when he threw for 3,326 yards, 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Not the most inspiring numbers but it was enough to have the team in the playoff hunt most of the year. Eventually he was benched in favor of Johnny Manziel, which didn’t go well. In the end Hoyer chose to go to a team that would actually give him a legitimate chance to start.

Clearly he chose wisely. At age 29 he brings a veteran presence to the huddle and solid leadership as has shown up on more than one occasion watching HBO’s Hard Knocks. Adding to the confidence that he can succeed where he failed in Cleveland is the far better arsenal of weapons. DeAndre Hopkins, Cecil Shorts and Nate Washington make up his receiving corps and even without Arian Foster who is recovering from a hamstring injury he’ll have a solid rushing attack led by Alfred Blue and Chris Polk.

Never mind the presence of that J.J. Watt-led defense as well.

Time will tell if O’Brien and the Texans brass decide to stick with their decision. Will they give Hoyer the full season to settle in or bail out and go for Mallett at the first sign of struggles? Impossible to say at this point. For now, Houston has their quarterback and they can shift their focus towards preparing for opening day.

Next: Dallas Cowboys Better Hope Tony Romo Stays Healthy

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