Judging Brian Hoyer And Other Quarterback Battle Winners

Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) signals at the line of scrimmage against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Not all of the quarterback battles around the NFL are resolved, but several winners seem to have appeared. Who were they and did their teams end up making the right decision?

Houston Texans: Brian Hoyer over Ryan Mallett

As it was shown on “Hard Knocks” the Houston Texans coaching staff decided to make veteran Brian Hoyer their starting quarterback over teammate Ryan Mallett, citing consistency on the field as their primary reason.

Choice: Wrong

Going with consistency is understandable from the perspective of the head coach, but in this case Bill O’Brien looked like he went with the safe route. Brian Hoyer has shown what he is: a smart, efficient player who knows how to lead a huddle. At the same time, he lacks any sort of “special” quality. What does that mean? It means if the Texans are going to win a championship, it won’t be because of him. He’ll contribute, it would be a team success were that to happen.

Understand how difficult that is. Only a handful of teams in NFL history have won the Super Bowl with what were referred to as average quarterbacks. Mallett, for his faults, may be inconsistent but he’s also got physical tools Hoyer does not. He can make throws Hoyer can’t. He’s more of a gamble but they won’t know what he can really do until he’s actually on the field for more than one or two games.

Washington Redskins: Kirk Cousins over Robert Griffin III

Some will argue the decision was made by default due to the concussion Robert Griffin III suffered during the preseason. Yet based on several rumors and reports, the battle was already swinging away from him before that due to differences with coaches and lacking any sort of connection with teammates. Kirk Cousins just made the decision easier by playing well.

Choice: Right

Cousins always seemed better suited to run the current scheme of head coach Jay Gruden anyway. He’s smart, can move and has a good enough arm to make most of the throws required. This is a shot he has earned, proving again he’s simply more consistent than RGIII is.

Cleveland Browns: Josh McCown over Johnny Manziel

Another case of injury intervention with elbow problems dropping Johnny Manziel just as it appeared he was gaining steam. Truthfully though the Cleveland Browns insist it was never close. Josh McCown was their starter from the beginning.

Choice: Right

Manziel, for all his talent is still too much of a wild colt on the field. He’s not playing under control. Too many of his throws aren’t accurate enough and his technique, while certainly improved is not polished. McCown is a veteran and a leader. He knows what to do and where to go with the football. Provided he’s protected and gets help from those around him, that should be enough for the team this year.

Next: New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers: 5 Takeaways

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