Texans owner pivots on Osweiler remarking “Gutsy” quarterback change
By mdelaney
Houston Texans owner Bob McNair defended embattled quarterback Brock Osweiler after ugly loss in Green Bay two weeks ago. Now, he’s lauding head coach Bill O’Brien for “gusty call” in benching the team’s high-priced acquisition.
We all knew Brock Osweiler was on a short leash after dropping three of five games following a 6-3 start to the season. However, once journeyman quarterback Tom Savage stepped in to lead a 21-20 comeback win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, it appears Osweiler lost his last ally in Texans owner Bob McNair.
Remember, this is the same man who stuck his neck out for Osweiler when Houston was defeated by Green Bay 21-13 two weeks ago. Instead, he heaped blame on receivers failing to catch the ball while stating how Osweiler played similarly to future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. Yesterday, McNair was singing a different tune.
“That was a gutsy call. Give coach credit, he made a change and it was for the good of the team. We benefited from it. Now we have three good quarterbacks and we are proud of all of them,” McNair said Sunday, via the Houston Chronicle. “I’m just glad I wasn’t the one that had to make that decision.”
Perhaps O’Brien got a glimpse into his future while observing his opponents. A sinking Blake Bortles seemed to finally damn Jacksonville head coach Gus Bradley, who was relieved of his duties following yesterday’s loss. Osweiler only completed six of his 11 pass attempts, including two ugly interceptions, before O’Brien pulled the plug on him midway through the second quarter. It appears O’Brien bought himself some time by benching Osweiler in favor of Savage.
“Tom played very well,” McNair said. “He got things going for us. That was a decision coach made and he’s going to do what he thinks is best for the team. He will be visiting with the quarterbacks and working with them deciding what we will be doing going forward. That’s his call.”
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O’Brien refused to commit to a starter for Week 16’s road game against the Tennessee Titans, but if the fan reaction to his benching is any indication, Savage is a safe bet.