5 starting quarterbacks facing do-or-die seasons

Brian Hoyer, Houston Texans

Hoyer was given a shot to make something happen as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in 2014 and didn’t exactly grab the opportunity and run with it. Now he has a second chance to do the same thing with the Texans, and he isn’t off to a great start.

Last season Hoyer played in 14 games (starting 13) and completed 55.3 percent of his passes for 3,326 yards, with 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His quarterback of 76.5 was woeful and his Total QBR of 39.8 was dismal. In his first start for the Texans things didn’t get much better. Against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, the Michigan State product completed 18 of 34 passes (52.9 percent) for 236 yards, with a touchdown, an interception and a fumble. He also posted a quarterback rating of 72.7, a Total QBR of 12.3 and was pulled in favor of Ryan Mallett late in the 27-20 loss.

Hoyer may have already lost his job to Mallett, but it’s almost certain that he will get another chance under center in Houston (especially after the latter’s Week 2 showing). When he does, things need to improve rapidly. The Texans have a ton of talent and boast one of the most intimidating defense in the NFL. They can’t afford to have a quarterback who not only doesn’t measure up, but actually hurts the team.

If he doesn’t turn things around, this is almost certainly Hoyer’s final chance at a starting job in the NFL. He’s 29 and in his seventh season in the league. If he is going to do something special with his career, now is the time. As it stands, the Texans really don’t have a great option to replace him, as Mallett is just as uneven under center and has a flaky personality. Meanwhile, former fourth-round pick Tom Savage is out for the season with a shoulder injury.

If neither Hoyer nor Mallett grabs the job by the horns this season you can bet the farm that Houston will be looking for a long-term solution at quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Next: Colin Kaepernick