Houston Texans

Texans name Tom Savage starting QB over Brock Osweiler

Published Dec. 19, 2016 8:45 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Houston Texans are fighting for a playoff berth with just two weeks remaining, and they seem to have found the right quarterback for the job. Coach Bill O’Brien announced Monday that Tom Savage – not Brock Osweiler – will start in Week 16 against the Bengals.

https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/810947198624141312

Osweiler was benched by O’Brien on Sunday after starting the game 6-for-11 with two interceptions and just 48 yards passing. Trailing 13-0, Savage came in and immediately provided a spark to the offense, leading the Texans to a 21-20 victory over the Jaguars.

Savage played extremely well in spot duty, completing 23 of 36 passes for 260 yards. His 85.4 passer rating is the fourth-best by a Texans quarterback in a game this season despite not playing all four quarters.

O’Brien believes Savage gives the Texans the best chance to win, commending him for his starter-like preparation throughout the year.

https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/810947320909099012

https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/810948780128436224

It’s not clear whether Osweiler will regain his job this season, but if Savage continues to play well and leads the Texans to the playoffs you can bet Osweiler won’t see the field the rest of the way. Considering his $16 million base salary in 2017 is fully guaranteed, he’s likely to be on the roster next season, but he’ll need to improve greatly to be the starter.