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Ryan Mallett named Houston Texans backup quarterback

By Dan Zinski

Aug 15, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) runs the ball against Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Josh Kaddu (49) in the second half during the preseason game at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 42-35. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) runs the ball against Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Josh Kaddu (49) in the second half during the preseason game at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 42-35. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Texans didn’t deal away a draft pick for Ryan Mallett so that Mallett could be their #3 QB behind rookie Tom Savage.

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That being the case, it should come as no surprise that on Wednesday Texans coach Bill O’Brien named Mallett his #2 QB behind starter Ryan Fitzpatrick.

The reasoning behind this decision was pretty straight-forward according to QB coach George Godsey: Mallett simply has more experience running complicated NFL offenses than Savage.

Head coach O’Brien said that Mallett has been very quick in picking up Houston’s offense (via the Houston Chronicle):

"“The foundation of what he knows is very similar to what we had in the three years in New England,” O’Brien said. “He was drafted in (2011) when I was there. We spent the rookie year together and then I went to Penn State. (In 2012) and ’13, he stayed and was attentive in meetings. It’s obvious since he’s been here. Just the transition of Ryan coming in to this offense, certainly we do things, some things a little bit differently than what they do, based on our personnel. … But the foundation of it is very similar, so he’s been able to pick (it) right up.”"

Mallett spent several years in New England learning the ways of the quarterback position from Tom Brady before Bill Belichick finally flipped him for a draft pick.

Now the only question is, how long will it take for Houston to scrap Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starter and go to the completely untested Mallett?

You could argue that neither man is a great option at this point. But thankfully Houston has some big-time players on defense.

If they can’t score, at least they can stop people from scoring.

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