Ryan Mallett

[Playoffs]

This isn't the only site I frequent, there are a handful here in favor of Fitz and more on another site I post. Its leaving me frustrated as a Texans fan seeing them want to keep Fitz out there and automatically dismissing Mallett as a viable starter.

Agree, Mallett is an unknown at this point and it's silly to dismiss him outright.

But people are seeing there were other team problems that hamstrung Fitzpatrick at times, too...

1st and 10 at HOU 32	(14:13) 
A.Foster right end pushed ob at HST 33 for 1 yard (B.Fletcher).	
2nd and 9 at HOU 33	(13:37) 
R.Fitzpatrick pass short left to D.Johnson pushed ob at HST 44 for 11 yards (C.Williams).	 	 
1st and 10 at HOU 44	(13:07) 
[COLOR="DarkRed"][B]PENALTY[/B] on HST-D.Newton, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at HST 44 - No Play.[/COLOR]	 	 
1st and 15 at HOU 39	(12:51) 
R.Fitzpatrick scrambles right end to HST 47 for 8 yards (D.Ryans).	 	 
2nd and 7 at HOU 47	(12:17) 
A.Foster right end pushed ob at HST 46 for -1 yards (B.Fletcher).	 	 
3rd and 8 at HOU 46	(11:37) 
(Shotgun) R.Fitzpatrick pass short right to A.Foster pushed ob at PHI 47 for 7 yards (N.Carroll).	 	 
4th and 1 at PHI 47	(11:37) 
(Run formation) [COLOR="DarkRed"][B]PENALTY[/B] on HST-D.Brown, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at PHI 47 - No Play.[/COLOR]	 	 
4th and 6 at HOU 48	(11:18) 
S.Lechler punts 40 yards to PHI 12, Center-J.Weeks, fair catch by D.Sproles

No matter who is under center, offensive players needs to start doing their jobs and stop with the LOS penalties, wrong routes, missed reads, and allowing quick pressures into the QB. We've got to stop shooting ourselves in the foot.

 

[ChampionTexan]

I keep hearing people on talk radio say that the Texans are "punting the season away" with this decision.

I think it is the opposite. I think this gives the season one last chance, plus it gives some valuable insight into Mallet and if they should keep him or look for a QB in 2015.

People on talk radio making moronic comments? Who woulda thunk it.

 

[Hervoyel]

I keep hearing people on talk radio say that the Texans are "punting the season away" with this decision.

I think it is the opposite. I think this gives the season one last chance, plus it gives some valuable insight into Mallet and if they should keep him or look for a QB in 2015.

This is exactly what I think. It's the last shot this season has to produce anything.

 

[badboy]

It's never been questioned if he had the arm or pocket mobility to succeed. It's his accuracy and decision making. We won't really know if he's improved on that until he gets out there and gets live reps under pressure. It's a lot easier to make the right decision in practice with the red jersey on. Making the right decision with a DE in your face is quite different. There's no substitute for experience and unfortunately Mallett doesn't have any.

This..I would much rather O'Brien had said he was promoting Mallett as his practices had proved he was a better QB and he had overcome his accuracy issues.

I am hoping he is very successful.

 

[Marshall]

Not until after he sucks, i give fans that much credit

They didn't wait last year. They didn't even wait until Keenum was named as a starter to dismiss him. They were dismissing him all season long. Remember the anybody in the draft is better than anyone we have comments?

 

[Marshall]

any word of a contract extension or are we just trotting him out there for the nfl to see? If he does good, it could be very costly next year if Texans didn't wrap him in some kind of extension.

Our GM doesn't renegotiate contracts while the season is ongoing. He isn't starting with Mallett.

 

[Playoffs]

I keep hearing people on talk radio say that the Texans are "punting the season away" with this decision.

I think it is the opposite. I think this gives the season one last chance, plus it gives some valuable insight into Mallet and if they should keep him or look for a QB in 2015.

Radio, schmadio.

We have to find our franchise QB. FitzBeard was always known as a placeholder.

We used the 135th pick on a project with potential,

And a 2015 7th or 6th round to rent Ryan Mallet with an option to buy.

So it's time to open the other garage and see what we got. If Mallett takes charge and plays lights out, we're big time bank-robber winners. If not, he's Alex Brink and O'Brien will be courting QBs again.

But one of these days, Bill's boy will arrive -- and he'll know it when he sees him... and he won't hesitate.

I've always been very interested in the Texans, but I have to admit my interested is heightened significantly for these last regular season games.

 

[Marshall]

That's his rookie contract. Note it runs through 2014. When you trade for a player you get the contract. That one was signed 7/28/11.

Thank goodness. I would hate to make my ~first two mistakes ever~ in 24 hours.

 

[infantrycak]

Our GM doesn't renegotiate contracts while the season is ongoing. He isn't starting with Mallett.

The Texans don't ordinarily acquire players as late as they did Mallett and Schaub's contract was redone during the season.

Thank goodness. I would hate to make my ~first two mistakes ever~ in 24 hours.

See above re Schaub.

 

[jaayteetx]

I keep hearing people on talk radio say that the Texans are "punting the season away" with this decision.

I think it is the opposite. I think this gives the season one last chance, plus it gives some valuable insight into Mallet and if they should keep him or look for a QB in 2015.

Every time I listen to local sports talk radio I cringe when people call in. Its unbelievable how uninformed some, no most, are.

 

[JB]

Every time I listen to local sports talk radio I cringe when people call in. Its unbelievable how uninformed some, no most, are.

And some just downright stupid

 

[TexanBacker93]

The Texans don't ordinarily acquire players as late as they did Mallett and Schaub's contract was redone during the season.

I was under the impression that the Schaub deal was completed before the season opener against Miami and then announced after the game.

Either way, I doubt they make a move until the end of the season. At least I hope so. Based on quick extensions to Cushing, Foster, and Schaub I'm thinking if Mallett goes out there, throws for 300 with 3 TDs Smith might give him a 6 year $100 million deal that night. Mallett would then follow that up with a 3 game pick 6 streak and then his arm would fall off while ordering pizza.

 

[Kgbmedic]

I hope that Ryan turns out to be that diamond in the rough that was overlooked. The Texans have always been a team of various rollercoaster rides. Baring a few years, here and there, they have had some teams that are on the cusp of being very strong.

They seem as though they are tittering on the brink of being a perianal team. It would be nice if Mallet happens to be that one thing that tilts it in the win column. We are so due for some good times here in Houston.

I type all this with full understanding of what I have said, and the probability that it won't come to fruition.

I am a glutton for punishment, since I have been an Oiler fan as well as a Texan fan.

 

[TexanBacker93]

Radio, schmadio.


And a 2015 7th or 6th round to rent Ryan Mallet with an option to buy.

It's actually a 2016 pick. We don't even have to give anything up until after next season. I don't like Smith much, but that was a good move.

 

[jaayteetx]

And some just downright stupid

Bingo.

 

[infantrycak]

I was under the impression that the Schaub deal was completed before the season opener against Miami and then announced after the game.

Either way, I doubt they make a move until the end of the season. At least I hope so. Based on quick extensions to Cushing, Foster, and Schaub I'm thinking if Mallett goes out there, throws for 300 with 3 TDs Smith might give him a 6 year $100 million deal that night. Mallett would then follow that up with a 3 game pick 6 streak and then his arm would fall off while ordering pizza.

Wasn't advocating anything and would hope they would wait until at least 5 games are complete. But I wouldn't be surprised to see a move late in the season.

I just don't think their practice of negotiations 1-2 seasons before the end of a contract being done prior to the season starting applies in this circumstance.

 

[Trouble]

I have watched him play in some preseason games and in college.
The last few years with the patriots he did not have any receivers to throw to.
No one to throw the ball to downfield,Edelman was the only reliable receiver.
I'm surprised that it took this long to give him a start!
You Texans fans will be very surprised and might I say very happy!

 

[Double Barrel]

People on talk radio making moronic comments? Who woulda thunk it.

Unfortunately, it was also said by radio hosts who get paid for their short-sighted opinions.

Every time I listen to local sports talk radio I cringe when people call in. Its unbelievable how uninformed some, no most, are.

Yeah, I agree. I usually listen to CDs because of it.

There are some good radio personalities in this city, but their shows usually take a turn for the worst when they start taking calls.

 

[thunderkyss]

No matter who is under center, offensive players needs to start doing their jobs and stop with the LOS penalties, wrong routes, missed reads, and allowing quick pressures into the QB. We've got to stop shooting ourselves in the foot.

The Cowboys had as many penalties as we did & more turnovers.

The Colts had as many penalties & as many turnovers as we did.

The Steelers had more penalties than we did. Their QB was sacked more often than ours.


Regardless, we lost all three.

 

[thunderkyss]

This..I would much rather O'Brien had said he was promoting Mallett as his practices had proved he was a better QB and he had overcome his accuracy issues.

I am hoping he is very successful.

Or.....

"I can't bench the entire OL... so this is on them. They got Fitz benched. Chances are they'll get Mallett killed... it's on them. They've got to get a lot better, a lot faster."

 

[thunderkyss]

I was under the impression that the Schaub deal was completed before the season opener against Miami and then announced after the game.

Either way, I doubt they make a move until the end of the season. At least I hope so. Based on quick extensions to Cushing, Foster, and Schaub I'm thinking if Mallett goes out there, throws for 300 with 3 TDs Smith might give him a 6 year $100 million deal that night. Mallett would then follow that up with a 3 game pick 6 streak and then his arm would fall off while ordering pizza.

To me, it's about how much OB & Godsey want to invest in him. As long as he doesn't look scared & does stupid things that hurt the team, it wouldn't bother me if they offered him a contract... say 4 years to develop him further.

We saw back-ups like Mallet & McCown get ~$5M/yr, while Andy Dalton got $16M/yr..... IF OB & Godsey decides they want to continue the Mallett experience, anything under $10M/yr structured so we can cut him & walk away after two years, I'd be fine with.

Basically similar to what Kubiak gave Schaub in 2007. But I want to be able to reassess our direction before the 2017 season. He's either it, or he's not. If they don't know & they're still unsure about Savage, time to keep looking.

 

[DBCooper]

I keep hearing people on talk radio say that the Texans are "punting the season away" with this decision.

I think it is the opposite. I think this gives the season one last chance, plus it gives some valuable insight into Mallet and if they should keep him or look for a QB in 2015.

And it should have been done at least 2 games ago, if not more.

 

[speedfreek]

Play Mallet up until the point where the pick goes from
a 7th to a 6th, then put in Savage to see what you have.

Best case scenario -- you have your two QB's set for next year.

Worst case scenario -- you are drafting a QB in the first
round, know that Mallett isn't the answer, and hoping that
(cheaper) Savage matures into a reliable backup.

Either way it is much more win-win than doing anything
with StinkyPete(tm)

 

[infantrycak]

Play Mallet up until the point where the pick goes from
a 7th to a 6th, then put in Savage to see what you have.

How does that make sense? Wait just enough to raise the price and then get an inconsequential look at Savage.

 

[JB]

How does that make sense? Wait just enough to raise the price and then get an inconsequential look at Savage.

Cuz there's a huge difference in the last two draft picks 2 years from now and we have to know if our rookie backup is worth keeping?

 

[infantrycak]

Cuz there's a huge difference in the last two draft picks 2 years from now and we have to know if our rookie backup is worth keeping?

I don't care about the draft picks and doubt the Texans do either. But if you are going to manipulate it would be for lower not higher. And unless OB unleashes a Philly style game plan Mallett won't hit 40% until sometime in the last game.

Not that I think you were being serious. Just saying.

 

[speedfreek]

Because you aren't making the playoffs, and don't want the
pick to be a 6th rounder.

This team has needs all over the place and we shouldn't be
pissing them away.

Also, since we are not making the playoffs -- it is stupidly counter
productive to raise your draft number for the sake of totally
pointless wins..

Plus, you need to know if Savage can be a decent backup so
you don't have to bring StinkyPete back next year -- or
draft two QB's.

It's actually pretty damned simple to understand..

Cuz there's a huge difference in the last two draft picks 2 years from now and we have to know if our rookie backup is worth keeping?

 

[JB]

I don't care about the draft picks and doubt the Texans do either. But if you are going to manipulate it would be for lower not higher. And unless OB unleashes a Philly style game plan Mallett won't hit 40% until sometime in the last game.

Not that I think you were being serious. Just saying.

yeah a little tongue in cheek sarcasm there

 

[JB]

Because you aren't making the playoffs, and don't want the
pick to be a 6th rounder.

This team has needs all over the place and we shouldn't be
pissing them away.

Also, since we are not making the playoffs -- it is stupidly counter
productive to raise your draft number for the sake of totally
pointless wins..

Plus, you need to know if Savage can be a decent backup so
you don't have to bring StinkyPete back next year -- or
draft two QB's.

It's actually pretty damned simple to understand..

IF the team is eliminated from the playoffs then yeah I expect Savage to get a little playing time. I seriously doubt that a draft pick 2 years down the road has ANY bearing whatsoever in that tho. Nor do I think it would eliminate Fitz or any other decision for next year.

 

[Texan_Bill]

yeah a little tongue in cheek sarcasm there

No? A little "tongue in cheek"??? You don't say!!

 

[WolverineFan]

Yea let's toss the 4th round rookie out there for 2 games and let that be his judge and jury. I'm sure that will go well. I mean, he's started 15 games in the last 5 years so I'm sure he's ready. Hell, just throw all the reserves in there for a few games and if they don't play well then we might as well cut them because we'll "know what they have".

I'm so glad some of the people on this board have no input on personnel decisions for this franchise. Some of you would have cut Peyton Manning after his two game trial run (hint: 2 TD's / 6 INT's).

Why is it so hard to be patient and let a kid ride the bench for a year before passing judgement?

 

[IDEXAN]

[/LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) – President and General Manager Michael Caplan announced today, THV11 will air former Razorback Ryan Mallett's first NFL start. CBS Sports has approved THV11 to carry Houston vs Cleveland on Sunday Nov. 16 - noon start time. Houston coach Bill O'Brien announced this week that Mallett will replace Ryan Fitzpatrick as starting quarterback for the Texans.

Former University of Arkansas Razorback quarterback Ryan Mallet was a third round draft pick in 2011 and spent his first 3 seasons as backup quarterback for the Patriots under Tom Brady. Houston traded for Mallett in September and Coach O'Brien has committed to allow Mallett a real shot at the position. Houston has lost four of their last five games, dropping to a 4-5 record. The Texans need a spark to remain in the AFC playoff picture. "I might be wrong, but I think this might be the thing that helps our team," said Coach O'Brien.

Mallett who has never started in the NFL said, "I'd be lying if I didn't say I was excited. I've waited four years for this, but now it's time to have the opportunity to show what I can do. I'm going to make the best of it."
QUOTE]
http://www.thv11.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/11/06/cbs-ryan-mallett-first-start/18601501/
*****
Looks like Ryan is gonna have the folks back home in Arkansas behind him all the way on his NFL debut.

 

[infantrycak]

Because you aren't making the playoffs, and don't want the
pick to be a 6th rounder.

I got your intention backwards on you first sentence.

Plus, you need to know if Savage can be a decent backup so
you don't have to bring StinkyPete back next year -- or
draft two QB's.

It's actually pretty damned simple to understand..

All you accomplish is getting a lesser look at Mallett and an meaningless look at Savage. 2 games tells you nothing about him. And backup isn't the critical decision. Starter is. Giving up the difference between a 6th and 7th for a better look at spending a 1st is nothing.

 

[Mollywhopper]

I think it appears pretty obvious that there's zero intention for Savage to come any closer than smelling distance from a legit game this year. He's been on the osmosis plan, most likely since the moment he was selected.

 

[Norg]

I think it appears pretty obvious that there's zero intention for Savage to come any closer than smelling distance from a legit game this year. He's been on the osmosis plan, most likely since the moment he was selected.

what makes u think that ..???? what if mallet stinks it up then im sure savage will get a shot

 

[Nitrofish]

I keep hearing people on talk radio say that the Texans are "punting the season away" with this decision.

I think it is the opposite. I think this gives the season one last chance, plus it gives some valuable insight into Mallet and if they should keep him or look for a QB in 2015.

I think the best thing to do if you listen to those shows is turn it off when the call in segment starts. Hearing that stuff is maddening.

This..I would much rather O'Brien had said he was promoting Mallett as his practices had proved he was a better QB and he had overcome his accuracy issues.

I am hoping he is very successful.

I think had he done that it would be throwing Fitz under the bus, and it is clear O'Brien has a lot of respect for Fitz so that was not going to happen. I thought the whole announcement was awkward and uncomfortable.

Every time I listen to local sports talk radio I cringe when people call in. Its unbelievable how uninformed some, no most, are.

I just don't listen at all and save whatever hair I have left.

 

[thunderkyss]

Because you aren't making the playoffs, and don't want the
pick to be a 6th rounder.

This team has needs all over the place and we shouldn't be
pissing them away.

At the top of that list? Yeah, QB. Playoffs or not, if Mallet looks like the real thing..

Also, since we are not making the playoffs -- it is stupidly counter
productive to raise your draft number for the sake of totally
pointless wins..

...don't think of it as wasting a 6th, think of it as "wooing" an unrestricted FA.

Plus, you need to know if Savage can be a decent backup so
you don't have to bring StinkyPete back next year -- or
draft two QB's.

It's actually pretty damned simple to understand..

Who was the back up in Minnesota? Who was the back up in Oakland? Who was the back up in New England? You don't need to see the back up on the field, even if you think he's the heir apparent. As the coaching staff, you need to decide whether you want to make a commitment or not to this person, I'm sure OB already has. They may not have told anyone, but I'm sure they already have.

 

[thunderkyss]

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) –
The Texans need a spark to remain in the AFC playoff picture. "I might be wrong, but I think this might be the thing that helps our team," said Coach O'Brien.

I think he threw that "I might be wrong." in there to head off the "He should have done it sooner" talk.

 

[infantrycak]

what makes u think that ..???? what if mallet stinks it up then im sure savage will get a shot

Pretty sure they don't intend for Mallett to stink it up.

 

[xtruroyaltyx]

I think he threw that "I might be wrong." in there to head off the "He should have done it sooner" talk.

It's kind of I and others had been trying to convey all along. Coaches are people. Just because a guy is in the building getting a few practice reps doesn't mean they have a 100% eval of the player. I think ob is just being honest.

 

[Sigma]

Pretty sure they don't intend for Mallett to stink it up.

I initially thought that making the change now was always in their plans, but after doing some math I have some doubts

40% of the snaps would be 6.4 games (on average)

so the perfect plan *for me* would be to play fitz at the start of the season, to get mallett up to speed (since we got him that late)
then play mallett for 6 games

then:
if we are in playoff run: keep mallett and go for it (this way you loose the 6th pick but you get a shot to the postseason, worth it)
if we are not: change to savage to get a look of him (this way you don't lose the 6th, and get a look of savage)

given that I'd like to see a minimum of 2-3 games with savage, and 6 for mallett that leaves with 7-8 games for fitz

now we had 9 games with fitz, 6 games with mallett would bring us to 1 game with savage, wich is pointless

and, if we are out of the playoffs, playing mallett for 7 games would be like throwing away a pick. I agree that is almost nothing but losing almost nothing to get absolutely nothing doesnt seem a good deal to me

making the change this late could mean that mallett wasn't really ready to go in earlier, which is not promising.

I still don't have an opinion about him tho, maybe they never intended to get savage on the field so this is why they waited untill now to put mallett in

 

[infantrycak]

and, if we are out of the playoffs, playing mallett for 7 games would be like throwing away a pick.

A pick is gone either way so it isn't throwing away a pick. We're thinking there is some grand strategy going on over whether we give up the 180th pick in the draft or the 212th pick IN THE 2016 draft. Not next year, the year after. In terms of current value, what we gave up is either an 8th or 9th round pick - yeah, exactly.

 

[PapaL]

A pick is gone either way so it isn't throwing away a pick. We're thinking there is some grand strategy going on over whether we give up the 180th pick in the draft or the 212th pick IN THE 2016 draft. Not next year, the year after. In terms of current value, what we gave up is either an 8th or 9th round pick - yeah, exactly.

But but but the Pats can draft Tom Brady 2 with that pick!

 

[Sigma]

A pick is gone either way so it isn't throwing away a pick. We're thinking there is some grand strategy going on over whether we give up the 180th pick in the draft or the 212th pick IN THE 2016 draft. Not next year, the year after. In terms of current value, what we gave up is either an 8th or 9th round pick - yeah, exactly.

oh, don't get me wrong... I will not complain for using a 6th instead of a 7th.

It just seems pointless to do it for nothing.

If you could buy a coke for 1$ or 99¢, the exact same coke, I think you will buy the 99¢ one, unless you have a better reason to buy the 1$ one.

[To me] It doesn't make sense to play mallett for less than 6 games, because you need to get as much data as possible on him, but I don't think the difference between 6 and 7 games would be worth the already mentioned price (unless it could mean playoffs).

of course this is just what I think, I never claimed to be a football guru

-edit-
to clarify, if we were talking of 6+3 games I would have been ok with upgrading the 7th to a 6th, but 6+1 to me seems pointless

 

[TexanBacker93]

Cuz there's a huge difference in the last two draft picks 2 years from now and we have to know if our rookie backup is worth keeping?

I think you only put in Savage if Mallett is hurt. The draft pick is 2 years away. A 6th or a 7th doesn't make sense. I don't think 2 games at the end of his rookie season will determine if Savage is a future franchise QB. He's raw and needs time. It's not like they have to make a decision with him. He's on a cheap contract. The team will hold on to him regardless of who else comes in.

If Mallett is playing well and the team has designs on re-signing him. Why alienate him by benching him to save a draft pick. He's been wanting a shot. He finally gets it and if he plays well and gets benched to keep us from giving up the 6th rounder I would be shocked if he comes back here. I'd rather give up the 6th if he's the guy and he stays here than the 7th and see him go somewhere else to succeed.

Of course, he could be bad and show why he hasn't played a lot.

 

[Runner]

I think you only put in Savage if Mallett is hurt. The draft pick is 2 years away. A 6th or a 7th doesn't make sense. I don't think 2 games at the end of his rookie season will determine if Savage is a future franchise QB. He's raw and needs time. It's not like they have to make a decision with him. He's on a cheap contract. The team will hold on to him regardless of who else comes in.

If Mallett is playing well and the team has designs on re-signing him. Why alienate him by benching him to save a draft pick. He's been wanting a shot. He finally gets it and if he plays well and gets benched to keep us from giving up the 6th rounder I would be shocked if he comes back here. I'd rather give up the 6th if he's the guy and he stays here than the 7th and see him go somewhere else to succeed.

Of course, he could be bad and show why he hasn't played a lot.

I think they should play Savage in so called "garbage time" when we are blowing someone out. Try to get him a little bit of playing time when the opportunity presents itself.

 

[markn]

There's no way we muck about with the qbs to save the difference between an 7th and a 6th. Mallett is the starter and that should be the end of it.

I'm cautiously optimistic wrt mallett, but my biggest concern is that to succeed he'll need the kind of pocket the OL has rarely been able to provide this term. He'll also need a healthy Foster, and any evaluation of him with Foster out needs to be 'incomplete'.

 

[TexanBacker93]

I think they should play Savage in so called "garbage time" when we are blowing someone out. Try to get him a little bit of playing time when the opportunity presents itself.

I'm good with that. I'd love to be in a position to sit starters at the end of a game. I don't understand why more teams don't do this with their stars. Not just because you want to get other players some reps, but why risk injury.

 

[eriadoc]

I'm good with that. I'd love to be in a position to sit starters at the end of a game. I don't understand why more teams don't do this with their stars. Not just because you want to get other players some reps, but why risk injury.

Because there are precious few times you can get away with it in today's NFL. The rules are catered to comebacks and high scores. Used to be that a 21-7 lead in the 4th quarter was a safe enough lead to start running the clock out. These days, no chance.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

I think the plan was to have him take over about now.

Let him play 5 games.

If he's good, then we'd be silly not to let him play the last two and give up a 6th round pick for him. And we can try to re-sign him.

If he's NOT good, then we stick Savage in there and we give up a 7th two years from now for him and let him walk.