Houston Texans

Texans QB Tom Savage plans to 'just let it rip and see what happens'

Published Dec. 22, 2016 11:57 a.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Houston Texans gave Brock Osweiler a four-year, $72 million contract this offseason, seemingly making him their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. Well, his tenure in Houston has gotten off to a rocky start as he’s already been surpassed by Tom Savage on the depth chart after being benched last week against the Jaguars.

Savage will remain the starter this week against the Bengals in a crucial game for the Texans. He’ll now have a full week of preparation as the starter rather than being inserted on a whim, which should help his game even more.

However, regardless of his additional preparation, Savage is still going to approach the game the same way he always would. He’s going to go out and let it fly while having fun.

"At a young time in my career, I learned that this opportunity can be taken away from you pretty quick," Savage said, via ESPN. "Injuries happen, so ... that's why this week I'm just going to enjoy this opportunity and go out there and have some fun with the guys and, like I said, just let it rip and see what happens."

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Savage admits he was a little bit nervous and shocked by being put into the game, but he was obviously able to overcome it and lead the Texans to a win. He said he got “the little dry mouth at first” before gaining comfort in the huddle and on the field. Taking mental reps and preparing as if he was the starter helped, and he believes that helped his relationship with the rest of his teammates.

"I came in every day -- and not just to make a good impression on the coaches and show them that I'm here -- but more importantly it's the guys in the locker room that I really wanted to be around," Savage said. "That's the one thing you ask anybody who leaves the game, that's the one thing they miss, the locker room. That's what I wanted to be around, was the guys, and be around a winning locker room."