Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) – The Houston Texans will have a new
quarterback the next time they take the field, as Ryan Mallett will take over
for Ryan Fitzpatrick.
The Texans have a bye this week and will next play on Nov. 16 at Cleveland.
Texans coach Bill O’Brien made the announcement Wednesday.
“Our whole offense needs to play better,” O’Brien said. “It’s about operating
the offense. Mallett’s gotten better every day in practice.”
Mallett was acquired from New England just before the start of the season and
has yet to see action this year. A third-round pick in the 2011 draft, he
appeared in four games as Tom Brady’s backup with the Patriots, all in 2012,
completing just one of his four pass attempts for 17 yards with an
interception.
“We’re going to give him this shot to play and lead the offense and see what
he does,” added O’Brien.
Fitzpatrick is also in his first season with the Texans. He signed as a free
agent in March after one season in Tennessee, four years in Buffalo, two in
Cincinnati and two with St. Louis.
In nine games this season, the 31-year-old Harvard product has competed 61.8
percent of his passes for 1,960 yards with 11 touchdowns and eight
interceptions.
“I might be wrong, but I think this might be the thing that helps our team,”
O’Brien said about the switch.
The Texans are 4-5 entering their bye, but have lost four of their last five
after a 3-1 start.
