Texans: Ryan Mallett to take over as starting QB
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Texans coach Bill O'Brien has installed Ryan Mallett as the team's starting quarterback. O'Brien called the decision to bench Ryan Fitzpatrick "very tough" but what's "best for the team."
ABC-13 Eyewitness Sports Director Greg Bailey tweeted that O'Brien said that Mallett is very competitive and bright and has matured a lot since coming into the league. Mallett has regularly arrived at 6am to prepare since he was acquired in a trade with New England, where he was the back-up to Tom Brady.
Mallett has thrown just four regular season passes in the NFL but he's impressed O'Brien with his dedication and hard work in practice.
Mallett just said he'd be lying if he said he wasn't excited. "I've waited four years for this," he said.
"Watching Ryan (Mallett) in practice every day, I believe it's gotten better and better," said O'Brien, who told both quarterbacks of the news early Wednesday morning. "His huddle command, his knowledge of the offense, he's been in this system for four years. ... I think he's made a lot of progress whereas he's never played in a game or hasn't had many reps in a game. We're going to give him his shot to play."
With 10-year veteran Fitzpatrick as quarterback so far this season, the Texans are 4-5. He's completed 157 passes on 254 attempts for 1,960 yards. He's thrown 11 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.
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