Ryan Mallett Set to Replace Hoyer Against Panthers

Photo Credit: USATSI

When Bill O’Brien chose Brian Hoyer over Ryan Mallett on “Hard Knocks“, it was a very pivotal moment on the show and one that many “Hard Knocks” fans are sure not to forget anytime soon. The next episode was, of course, when Mallett showed up to practice late and many suspected it was because he wasn’t the one chosen. Now though, it looks like Mallett is finally going to get his chance to be the starter for the Texans, at least for week 2.

The Texans game on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs was a pretty close game with the score ending up 27-20, in favor of the Chiefs. Brian Hoyer’s performance was less than starter worthy with 18 of 34 passes completed, one touchdown, one interception and one fumble. Hoyer was eventually taken out for Mallett during the fourth quarter when the Texans were down 27-9. During the final quarter of the game, Mallett completed 8 of 13 passes and even had a touchdown which seemed to leave the door open for Mallett to start against the Panthers this week.

When asked about Mallett and Hoyer after the game, Texans HC Bill O’Brien said that he wouldn’t be making a “big quarterback announcement” and that everyone would have to wait until the game to see who would be the starter. O’Brien also followed up by saying that he doesn’t believe that either QB will lose “confidence” when the decision is made. One thing that no one seems to really touch on though is that O’Brien didn’t specify that Hoyer would be starting the whole season, but instead just said that he would be the starter for week 1. The change is a little sudden though since it is only week 1, but maybe having to sit back and watch Hoyer play motivated Mallett to be better.