Report: Texans to name Ryan Mallett starter

The Houston Texans are going to insert Ryan Mallett at quarterback to replace Brian Hoyer, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Mallett replaced Hoyer in the fourth quarter with the Kansas City Chiefs winning 27-9, and rallied Houston for a quick 11 points before time expired.

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Hoyer originally won the job over Mallett because he was reliable, but in Week 1, Hoyer was anything but. The veteran signal-caller tossed an interception to rookie Marcus Peters on Houston’s first offensive play and then fumbled in his red zone when sacked by Justin Houston, leading to another touchdown. Hoyer finished the game with a line of 18-of-34 for 236 yards with a touchdown and interception.

Mallett represents a quarterback with little accuracy but a huge arm. The main question is whether Mallett can avoid the same kind of turnovers that have plagued Hoyer throughout his career. Hoyer was the starting quarterback with the Cleveland Browns last year and began well, leading the moribund franchise to a 6-3 mark after the first 10 weeks. However, Hoyer and the team fell apart, finishing 7-9. Hoyer did not start the last three games after being benched for Johnny Manziel. Overall, Hoyer threw 12 touchdowns against 13 interceptions.

The New England Patriots drafted Mallett in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Mallett was then traded before last season to Bill O’Brien and the Texans, where he sat for the majority of the campaign behind Ryan Fitzpatrick. Mallett did start for two games and was mediocre, splitting the decisions with a win over the Browns and a loss against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the Texans need to provide better weapons. Houston is currently looking at DeAndre Hopkins and not much else.