New Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett called his first few days in Houston a "whirlwind," but has found the transition moving from the Patriots to be somewhat familiar due to head coach Bill O'Brien's connection to New England.
"There are just a few similarities with the playbook, but there are also some differences." Mallett told HoustonTexans.com. "I'm just trying to get accompanied to it, just trying to study, keep my head down and keep moving."
While Mallett has yet to see any considerable time playing quarterback, entering his fourth year in the league, he feels comfortable moving to a new team for the first time in his career.
"I'm glad I'm not a rookie doing this because that would definitely be tough," Mallett said. "So being my fourth year, I kind of understand the ins and outs of the league and how it works. It's definitely helped me in that aspect."
Due to his connections with the Texans' coaching staff, namely quarterbacks coach George Godsey, Mallett's name was tossed around often as potential target for Houston in the offseason. While unproven playing as Tom Brady's backup for three seasons, his potential is intriguing to the Texans after having success during his college career in Arkansas.
"Godsey coached me since my rookie year until last year," Mallett said. "He was in the same room. He taught me this offense my first two years, so I know him pretty well. It definitely helped me transition as far as I know what he's thinking for the most part. When I don't, I have to ask him."
O'Brien was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Patriots during Mallett's rookie season in 2011, making him familiar with his coaching style and what he expects out of his players.
"I knew what he expecting coming out of his team," Mallett said. "He wants to be good. He wants to be great, so that's what we're trying to do. That's why we go to work every day, pay attention to details and we try to get better every day as a team and keep moving forward."
While he as played in several preseason games for New England, Mallet has only one completed pass for 17 yards in four attempts to fill out his regular season stats for his career. He comes to to the Texans as the team's new backup quarterback behind Ryan Fitzpatrick. Case Keenum, who was the presumed backup quarterback after Houston's final preseason game, was released Sunday following the trade.
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