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For the second time in two years, Brian Hoyer has won an NFL quarterback battle. After declining to name a starter for his offense on Sunday night, Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien has now revealed that Hoyer will indeed be the team’s starter under center for the 2015 NFL season.
Sources: The #Texans have named Brian Hoyer as their starting QB to begin the 2015 season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 24, 2015
It’s an odd development after both Hoyer and backup quarterback Ryan Mallett failed to impress in their second preseason game. The two had both played well in the first preseason game, forcing O’Brien and co. to wait on naming a starter. Hoyer started the summer very much in the lead, but Houston wanted to give the younger Mallett a real shot at winning the job after flashing some ability in some starts in 2014.
Final Answer?
The move to make Hoyer the starter now makes a good amount of sense, as it gives the first team offense time to get into a groove and should give Hoyer a good amount of time to get things going with the starting unit in week three’s dress rehearsal. Hoyer isn’t going to blow anyone away, but he did help the Cleveland Browns to a 7-4 start a year ago and had the edge over Mallett when it came to experience, poise and accuracy. Of course, just like Hoyer ended up losing his starting gig last year with the Browns, Houston fans have to wonder if this is a decision that could end up being short-lived.
Playoff Bound?
Mallett certainly possessed a stronger arm and the upside, but Hoyer’s experience in Bill O’Brien’s offense (was with the New England Patriots in the past) likely got him the job. If Hoyer can play within himself and the offense, it’s definitely possible he can deliver similar results to what we saw him do in Cleveland last season. Hoyer faded badly down the stretch in 2014, but plays in a soft AFC South division that arguably only really has the Indianapolis Colts as a legit threat. Should Hoyer keep his head on his shoulders and maximize #1 target DeAndre Hopkins, it’s possible Houston could think about challenging for the division title. Hoyer indeed figures to be the Texans’ best bet to reach the playoffs, but that probably doesn’t change their meager 60/1 Super Bowl odds.
