Houston Texans: Evaluating quarterback situation for 2015

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Mar 24, 2015

The Houston Texans have slowly but surely done their best to bolster their team heading into next season.

At the most important position, the Texans have added journeyman quarterback Brian Hoyer in hopes that he could finally be their answer they’re looking for. He will battle it out this summer with quarterback Ryan Mallett at training camp in hopes of being deemed their starter and doing his best to win a lot of football games.

Nov 23, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) signals at the line of scrimmage against the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

With a solid defense in place plus with the addition of Vince Wilfork and the eventual return of Jadeveon Clowney, the Texans really need whichever candidate to really step up and shine come next season. Last year, the Texans ended at 9-7 and missed the playoffs.

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In the AFC South, it’s really all about chasing the Indianapolis Colts. Needless to say, as long as Andrew Luck continues to play at the elite level that he does, the Texans will be on the outside looking in unless they have their quarterback situation on point and in a position to execute as best as possible.

With the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans all getting better this offseason via the free agency period, the division might be one of the toughest ones next season. The Texans were missing that stable quarterback presence last season and should have found it this time around thanks to the acquisition of Hoyer.

I’ve always believed that when a free agent quarterback comes into the mix from another team, they always have a chip on their shoulder and tend to play on a whole different level. I’m sure by now that Hoyer has been jaded from not really getting the support he needs to succeed.

When he was with the Cleveland Browns, one can only imagine what went through his mind with all the Johnny Manziel drama that ensued. Sure, Hoyer wasn’t perfect but he was hands down their best option to win even though he had a couple of bad games last season.

Hoyer is a winner and just needs to be in the right system to thrive. The Texans are the best place for him since now, he should be able to beat out Mallet and make some noise in 2015 with his new team. Nothing against Mallet, he just doesn’t have the skill set that Hoyer has to be a reliable starting option.

Once the Texans add some more offensive weapons at the draft, I could really see this team taking off and making a run at the Colts. I recently wrote about why the Texans should draft someone like wide receiver DeVante Parker to really push the envelope offensively and give another top receiving target on offense.

Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback

Brian Hoyer

(6) throws against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Drafting someone like Parker would only elevate what Hoyer brings to the table, especially since Andre Johnson is no longer an option on the team since he left via free agency. Cecil Shorts is a solid signing and gives the Texans that veteran presence to rally the troops. Since their defense looks pretty much set, it’s important the Texans continue to build their offense to keep up with everyone around them.

Overall, I’m pretty confident that Hoyer should easily be deemed the Texans’ starting quarterback and work his way up to prove that he can be more than capable of succeeding for the next few years. Mallet will be a more than capable backup option and who knows, maybe Hoyer was the missing piece the Texans needed to keep it close in the AFC South to the point where they can make a return to the NFL Playoffs in glorious fashion.

Next: Houston Texans: Is Brian Hoyer an upgrade over Ryan Fitzpatrick?

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