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Houston Texans: Is there really a quarterback competition?

By Randy Gurzi

Apr 28, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith (left) and Texans first round draft pick Deshaun Watson (middle left) and vice chairman D. Cal McNair (middle right) and head coach Bill O'Brien (right) pose for a picture during a press conference at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith (left) and Texans first round draft pick Deshaun Watson (middle left) and vice chairman D. Cal McNair (middle right) and head coach Bill O'Brien (right) pose for a picture during a press conference at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Although the Houston Texans say that Tom Savage can be a starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson is the only name that makes sense in 2017

Anyone who talks about the Houston Texans current quarterback situation is saying the politically correct thing — there will be a competition between Tom Savage and rookie Deshaun Watson. The team believes after winning the AFC South with Brock Osweiler and all his warts starting under center, they can do anything. That doesn’t mean they need to do something as foolish as starting Savage.

Sure, most people in the organization will feed you the line that he knows the system and has worked his tail off. Even three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt has chimed in. The Texans All-Pro defensive end says he believes in Savage and thinks the team can win with him.

Here were Watt’s comments via John McClain of The Houston Chronicle:

"“He’s had time to learn and grow,” Watt said. “He’s got a chance to prove what he’s got. That’s all you can ask for in this league – an opportunity. I think he’s embracing that chance this offseason.”"

The problem is Savage simply isn’t anything spectacular. He was a fourth-round pick back in 2014 after failing to stick with one college team for a long duration. After joining the league he has amassed as many touchdown passes as incoming rookie Deshaun Watson, zero. The difference is Watson has thrown no passes in the NFL and Savage has thrown 92.

Speaking of Watson, the team also surrendered a future first round pick in order to secure his services. So to recap, Savage was worth a fourth-round pick and was unable to dethrone Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett or Brock Osweiler at any point in his career. Watson was worth two first-round selections and comes in an NCAA Champion with 10,168 yards and 90 touchdowns over his three-year career.

Must Read: 2017 NFL Power Rankings: Post-NFL Draft edition

The Texans are saying that there’s competition, but after what they surrendered to get Watson, there better not be. They will be in much better hands if they just state the obvious and hand the keys to their first round pick who they surrendered so much to get.

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