MojoMan
Hall of Fame
I hope Matt Schaub is healthy and does not miss a snap all year. He was healthy for most of the year in 2009, and with an increased emphasis on running the ball in 2010, there is every reason to expect Schaub will have great success this year.
However, the NFL is a rough place and the Quarterback position is one of particular vulnerability. As a result, it is all too common to see the backup QB of any team taking the field at some point during the season, as has been the case for the Houston Texans pretty much every year since their inception in 2002.
Sometimes, this is when heroes are made. Other times, this is when seasons are lost. Which is why Texans' Quarterback Dan Orlvosky is in such a pivotally important role as the Houston Texans try to earn their first ever playoff birth this year.
The word coming out of training camp about Dan Orlovsky so far has been disconcerting. But a good showing on Saturday could really change a lot of perspectives. Hopefully Dan-O plays a great game Saturday and begins to establish himself as a leader on this team. If not, it could be time for Smithiak to start searching the waiver wires for his replacement.
However, the NFL is a rough place and the Quarterback position is one of particular vulnerability. As a result, it is all too common to see the backup QB of any team taking the field at some point during the season, as has been the case for the Houston Texans pretty much every year since their inception in 2002.
Sometimes, this is when heroes are made. Other times, this is when seasons are lost. Which is why Texans' Quarterback Dan Orlvosky is in such a pivotally important role as the Houston Texans try to earn their first ever playoff birth this year.
The word coming out of training camp about Dan Orlovsky so far has been disconcerting. But a good showing on Saturday could really change a lot of perspectives. Hopefully Dan-O plays a great game Saturday and begins to establish himself as a leader on this team. If not, it could be time for Smithiak to start searching the waiver wires for his replacement.
All Eyes on Texans Quarterback Dan Orlovsky
Texans preseason games are more important for quarterback Dan Orlovsky than any player on the team. Entering his second season with the Texans and his sixth in the NFL, Orlovsky must use the preseason to convince the coaches that he's capable of replacing Matt Schaub if the starter suffers an injury.
When the Texans begin their preseason schedule Saturday night at Arizona, Orlovsky will be under more pressure than any of his teammates. "Not really; I'm excited about it," Orlovsky said. "I want to lead the offense the way it should be led."
Orlovsky has to play better than he did last preseason. After signing as a free agent for $3 million a year, he started camp as Schaub's backup. In the preseason opener at Kansas City, Orlovsky was 9-of-20 for 121 yards. He had no touchdown passes or interceptions, and his rating was 64.8. Orlovsky played in three preseason games, completing 27 of 48 passes for 331 yards and one touchdown. He threw two interceptions and closed with a 67.3 rating.
Coach Gary Kubiak didn't like enough of what he saw, and Rex Grossman, who threw one incomplete pass in preseason, was designated as Schaub's backup. Orlovsky spent his first season with the Texans watching and learning. Kubiak has praised him on several occasions, insisting he's improved. But until the quarterback shows it in games, nobody will know how much he's improved. That's why Orlovsky will play at least two quarters against the Cardinals; Schaub is expected to play one series.
"I like his work ethic, the way he goes about his job," Kubiak said about Orlovsky. "He's got the ability to make some big plays. Now he has to take it to the field and show the team." Orlovsky (6-5, 231 pounds) looks a lot like Schaub. He's able to run the same offense. No changes have to be made in the strategy or play-calling when Orlovsky takes over.
When Kubiak was asked Tuesday about the most important thing he wants to see from Orlovsky on Saturday, the coach didn't hesitate. "Protect the ball," he said. "When he's throwing it, protect it. Protect the team by protecting the ball. We've got to get rid of that one bad play out of 10. That's what we're trying to focus on."
When informed of what Kubiak said, Orlovsky smiled. He's heard that a thousand times from his coach. "Well, an incompletion or a throwaway are better than a turnover," Orlovsky said. "I'm not going to try and run up the scoreboard or anything. Just executing the offense is so important for me."
Last edited: