30 NFL quarterbacks who got better after leaving their first team
By Dan Parzych
19. Matt Schaub
Similar to plenty of other players on this list, Matt Schaub knew he would never earn the opportunity to start for the Atlanta Falcons, as long as Michael Vick was part of the picture. This was part of the reason he was excited to be traded to the Houston Texans in 2007.
All of a sudden, Schaub no longer had to worry about riding the bench. He would be provided with the chance to show off his skills to prove he did in fact have what it takes to be a starter in the NFL, even if it did take a little bit of patience.
After two decent seasons, Schaub finally displayed the breakout season the Texans were patiently waiting for. In 2009, he earned a trip to the Pro Bowl by throwing for a league-best 4,770 yards, to go along with a career-high 29 touchdown passes.
Despite Houston taking a step back the following season with a 6-10 record, it was the 2012 season where Schaub put together an impressive campaign. He helped the Texans to a 12-4 record, while earning another trip to the Pro Bowl.
Losing to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round that season was a crushing blow for Schaub and the Texans, but at least they didn’t go down without a fight.