Houston Texans’ Bill O’Brien: Ryan Fitzpatrick remains starting QB

Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Texans have a dominant wide receiver in Andre Johnson, a running back in Arian Foster–when healthy–is capable of dominance and a quality offensive line, but the biggest weakness for the Texans just happens to be at the sport’s most important position.

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The first full week of the preseason schedule is often rife with overreactions and grand statements and predictions after a few plays during games that are glorified run-throughs with teams trying to remain healthy and Texans head coach Bill O’Brien is not going to fall into that trap.

When asked if Ryan Fitzpatrick would remain the club’s starter, O’Brien issued a one-word response via the Houston Chronicle: “Yes.”

There you have it. No quarterback controversy in Houston with Case Keenum and rookie fourth round pick Tom Savage vying for the backup job.

Neither is a real attractive option at the moment, maybe later in the season if Fitzpatrick doesn’t show improvement, but for now, O’Brien is hitching his wagon to the veteran signal-caller.

In his defense, the Texans played the opener without Johnson or Foster on the field, so it is only natural that whoever lined up under center for Houston against the Arizona Cardinals over the weekend would struggle.

Now if these struggles continue when those two former All-Pro players return to the lineup, then the Texans may come to regret not drafting a quarterback earlier than when they took Savage in the 2014 NFL Draft, such as a trade back into the first round for Teddy Bridgewater.