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Ryan Mallett Looks To Be A Poor Mans’ Ryan Leaf

By Erik Lambert

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Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) is shown on the sideline in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

They say the sequel is almost never better than the original and that could be turning out to be true in the NFL.  It was 17 years ago that the league was introduced to a quarterback with the first name Ryan who became the greatest draft bust in league history.  The #2 pick of the San Diego Chargers in 1998, Ryan Leaf was viewed as the future savior of the franchise.

Instead he went 4-14 as a starter with just 3,171 yards and 13 touchdowns passing to go with 33 interceptions and 20 fumbles.  It became clear overtime that the guy was woefully immature and featured a really bad attitude that infected both him and the locker room.  By age 25 he was out of the league and is now serving jail time.

The Houston Texans now seem to have a similar situation developing on their roster.  Like Leaf, Ryan Mallett was a huge success in college at Arkansas and became a 2nd round draft pick of the New England Patriots.  With Tom Brady ahead of him though he became a backup and was eventually traded to Houston where hopes were he could finally realize his vast potential.

Yet, also like Leaf, he’s developed a growing reputation for maturity problems.  He missed practice during the preseason because he apparently overslept, exhibited noticeable anger when he couldn’t get back on the field in a game against Indianapolis and now has added another chapter to the saga by missing the team flight to the game against Miami.

"“Whatever the reason, missing a team flight is not a good sign for the quarterback who appeared to be sulking when re-benched in favor Brian Hoyer in Week 5.Mallett is officially active for Sunday’s contest with the Miami Dolphins. Mallett has started four games this season, but is currently the backup. Barring injury, it doesn’t appear he’ll get the gig back anytime soon. McClain suggested in his report that if Tom Savage weren’t on injured reserve, coach Bill O’Brien might drop Mallett lower on the depth chart or perhaps cut him. It appears right now that the Texans can’t trust Mallett on or off the field.”"

One can understand him being upset over not keeping the starting job.  Quarterback battles often result in such things happening but these issues of not showing up on time for meetings or games is something else.  It demonstrates a serious lack of character or work ethic.  Mallett should not expect to be handed one of just 32 jobs in the entire world just because he can throw the ball really hard.  Coaches and teams want guys who put in the effort and don’t make excuses.

Even if he isn’t cut this year, chances are now very good that Mallett may never again get a chance at starting in the NFL.

Next: Time To Take Connor Cook Seriously As Threat To Jared Goff

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