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Texans insert Mallett into starting QB role over Fitzpatrick

Published Nov. 5, 2014 12:29 p.m. ET

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Shawn Ramsey

After a lackluster performance Sunday afternoon in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Houston Texans have replaced Ryan Fitzpatrick with Ryan Mallett at starting quarterback.

Head coach Bill O'Brien made announcement Wednesday at NRG Stadium.

"I just felt like in the best interest of the team," O'Brien said during Wednesday's news conference. "This is the decision I needed to make."

O'Brien mentioned that the slow starts by the offense shouldn't be all on Fitzpatrick's shoulders, however he is hoping the move at quarterback can provide a much-needed spark for a team sitting at 4-5.

"It's not a matter of everybody point the finger at Fitz," O'Brien said according to the Houston Chronicle.

Mallett, who was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2011 draft, has backed up Tom Brady in his first three years in the league and has never started a regular season game. While the former Arkansas quarterback has had time to absorb from one of the best all-time, O'Brien is careful to note he is not expecting his new starter to be Brady 2.0.

"We are not asking him to go out there and be Tom Brady," O'Brien said. "We're asking him to be Ryan Mallett."

The Texans are on a bye this week, and will return to action Nov. 16 against the Browns in Cleveland.

Follow Shawn Ramsey on Twitter: @ShawnPRamsey

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