Just curious, but what do you perceive his bias toward/against?
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Is Tom Savage A Long Term Option?
- Thread starter gtexan02
- Start date
Just curious, but what do you perceive his bias toward/against?
Cosell was strongly in Savage's corner before the draft. I'm totally behind the switch. When he says Savage was much more polished & refined, I agree with that as well.
But this... he says should have been an easy pitch & catch, that Osweiler threw it too high....
This picture shows there was clearly a defender between Osweiler & Fuller. The ball has to be high.
The other INT he says Brock climbed the pocket, while technically correct, Osweiler was getting ready to run for a short gain & decided at the last minute to throw that ball.
He calls this a "tight window throw"
It was underthrown. Should have been ahead of Williams where Ramsey couldn't have made a play on it. I don't think the safety would have got there in time as Williams had time to catch it, turn, & run a bit.
I'm excited about Savage. But I think a lot of the things he did in that game won't look so good if we had lost... well, if he plays similarly next week & we lose. We'll nitpick the crap out of him.
I want Savage to be the guy. I wanted Brock to be the guy. I wanted Mallett to be the guy. I wanted Case to be the guy... I wanted Tj to be the guy. I wanted Schaub to be the guy. I really don't care who he is. Just as long as we find him.
After watching Savage last week, I think he's a far cry from "franchise QB" right now, but he does look like a perfectly serviceable QB that can run O'Brien's offense. Comparing him to Osweiller it's difficult to see why they threw the money at Brock instead of just giving the ball to Savage. I'm guessing Savage's injury prone history and McNair's caving to fan pressure to just go get somebody, anybody, must have had a lot to do with it? All that in mind - I'd say that Savage could possibly be the future, but he's probably a very long shot. I'm betting the Texans finally draft a QB in the first couple of rounds this year.
xtruroyaltyx
Hall of Fame
I really wonder who was sold on Os in the organization. I mean even most fans here that approved of the pick up were not proclaiming him to be great.
Looking back at it, excluding the way the position was handled the first two years of OB, it would have probably been a better move to roll with Savage. But hind sight is a mother....
But if they had given savage the reigns there might be a completely different outlook at this point. This regime has got to start making better decisions at that position. It's been a mess for three years now. Hopefully Savage at least does enough to where qb isn't a priority (again) heading into the off season.
Because if he doesn't, then it's going to be an ugly situation. I don't see how if savage fails you go into camp with him and Os at qb. That would be awful.
Looking back at it, excluding the way the position was handled the first two years of OB, it would have probably been a better move to roll with Savage. But hind sight is a mother....
But if they had given savage the reigns there might be a completely different outlook at this point. This regime has got to start making better decisions at that position. It's been a mess for three years now. Hopefully Savage at least does enough to where qb isn't a priority (again) heading into the off season.
Because if he doesn't, then it's going to be an ugly situation. I don't see how if savage fails you go into camp with him and Os at qb. That would be awful.
You think Cosell all of a sudden has a bias against Brock Osweiler ... huh, ok.
I'd agree with him on those throws. The defender looks closer in that picture of the first one in that still frame moment. Live it looked clearly to me like Os had more room to deliver that ball lower.
And the Savage throw I'd agree was a little behind. But it was a tight area to get it in against the sideline and I don't believe Os would've completed it, even a little behind, if you gave him a number of tries.
Not really getting why Cosell would have an unfair bias against Osweiler though. He's just flat out been poor.
TexansBull
Hall of Fame
I hope Savage is as good as Schaub when he was when he was at his best. And stay healthy.
Keep drafting a qb every once in a while similar to the Patriots looking for a potential replacement or trade bait.
Keep drafting a qb every once in a while similar to the Patriots looking for a potential replacement or trade bait.
TripleTap
Dead Wood
Very happy to have Savage starting and to see how that plays out. Clearly last week an improvement over OZ. But I want to add a potential vote for a further look at Weeden. I know this is not a popular idea here, and that there's some guy who is all Weeden all the time, but to my eye he may have a point. Weeden looked plenty good last year in his couple of games (as I remember, but all I really remember is that I thought at the time that he looked pretty good, serviceable at the very least). My memory is he's big, tough, good quick throwing motion, accurate, a little bit mobile, sees whole field and can take a hit. I mean, what's not to like? Maybe somebody has good evidence why Weeden should NOT be given a shot if TS is not the answer?
Texansphan
Football connoisseur
The Patriots draft guys as fresh backups so they don't have to pay the second contract which means bigger bucks.
Soon though, Brady will need to be replaced so it will be interesting to see how they go about it.
Which qb will be a 1st rounder?
Well he said certainly draft a qb in the first so he must have some clue who would be worthy
Why would the Browns do that?
There are plenty of quality NFL QBs not taken high in the 1st round. I'd say the key would be picking up a guy that they think has what it takes early in the draft, whether that's first or second round. The Texans haven't taken a high pick QB since they drafted Carr.
A more likely scenario would be Oz and our first for a 6thThey're known to bet the rent on QB prospects that won't work out.
A more likely scenario would be Oz and our first for a 6th
Or we give them a 2nd just to take Os and his ball-and-chain of a contract...
They're known to bet the rent on QB prospects that won't work out.
But not on ones that haven't already worked out...
Porky
Hall of Fame
I'm not sure if Savage is the long term answer, but I know who isn't.
And for that reason alone, BOB made the right call. And considering the circumstances, it actually took some stones to make the switch. So, I've got to give some credit to BOB for pulling the plug.
Let's see what happens these last two games. That should be rather telling, but even then, it's not long enough to really know for sure. The guy needs a good half season in 2017 to either prove he is or is not "the guy" and that's assuming he's reasonably good these last two games (and hopefully) into the playoffs and he gets the chance to go into 2017 as the starter.
And for that reason alone, BOB made the right call. And considering the circumstances, it actually took some stones to make the switch. So, I've got to give some credit to BOB for pulling the plug.
Let's see what happens these last two games. That should be rather telling, but even then, it's not long enough to really know for sure. The guy needs a good half season in 2017 to either prove he is or is not "the guy" and that's assuming he's reasonably good these last two games (and hopefully) into the playoffs and he gets the chance to go into 2017 as the starter.
TexansBull
Hall of Fame
ok I'll see that one tho different circumstances
The way O'Brien coached Fitz, I'd have been fine to sit tight with Savage, Weeden, & Yates. not that I think any of those three were the answer, or could be the answer. but I think we could be in the 9-7 range until they find someone they absolutely fall in love with.
& maybe they felt that way about Brock. The kid showed true grit in Denver. I don't know about $37M worth, but he didn't show much else.
It could be me who is biased.
Except he's already made that throw, at least twice that I can remember. Once to Fuller against Chicago, then to Hopkins against KC, I think. When he caught 7 balls for 113 yards & a TD.
I thought he threw a perfect ball to Hopkins @Indy. Hopkins didn't catch it. may have been a hair overthrown. but if we're willing to look pass a ball that is a bit underthrown, surely we'll give a pass that is slightly over thrown.
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It's something in my settings or anti-virus that won't let them play
In all fairness to Brock, he's absolutely capable of delivering a stellar NFL throw. The ones you mentioned, the gem he zipped to Fiedo a couple weeks ago. Problem is they're just too few and too far between. And the far between consists of far too many unforced errors that are drive killers if not full on turnovers. Greg Cosell piling on or not, we can all see that.
bigmck
Rookie
[media]https://streamable.com/6k2yu[/media]
Hard catch, he could've made it but lost the ball when his elbow hit the ground. It happens, the biggest thing to me was how accurately Savage throw was. Something rarely seen in the land of Os.
bigmck
Rookie
The only thing wrong with that plan is we will have last pick because we won the.............
I agree. I don't think know it's necessary to explain why Brock was benched. His performance this game was only part of the reason & like you said, the good stuff comes too far & in between.
& it's not that I think he's piling on Brock. He's extremely enthusiastic about Savage & I think that bias shows in some of the glossing over of Savages performance then contrasting with Brock to try to make Savage look better. Like I said, totally unnecessary. Tom's performance was strong enough to stand on its own imo.
Texansphan
Football connoisseur
When Bill O'Brien stops running the ball and starts passing it instead speaks volumes by itself.
It was like he turned into this kid in a candy store.
It will be interesting to see how he divides the snaps on Saturday.
Number19
Hall of Fame
Tom needs reps. We should win Sat. The big game will be Tenn and Cinn should be a warm up for the next week. 55-45 pass; maybe even 60-40. IMO.
yeah there is that
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Grams
Veteran
I did not expect perfect throws from Savage after he was put in the game as he has not practiced much the past 3 ish weeks. Probably not in sync with the receivers. With him actually practicing with the 1's this week, I would think he should be more on target.
IDK if he is the answer to our QB problems, but you could see the difference in the offense when he came in. Things seemed to "click" with the receivers, Hopkins was getting open (or Savage was actually throwing the ball when he should). He seems to see the field better, better touch on his passes. Better command of the offense. Hopefully he just gets better each game and our problems (at least at QB) are solved.
Brisco_County
Apples and roadmaps
I don't know what it was either, but it certainly wasn't improved blocking. He made several throws - on target - with rushers in his face or while being hit. I hope we tighten up the protections because one or two good crunches by Atkins or Dunlap and we might get to see Weeden or worse, could be right back to Osweiler again.
Grams
Veteran
You know, not being a fan of college football, I knew almost nothing about Savage. After we drafted him, like I do with the other picks we make, I looked him up and read about him and saw film of him. Looked like someone who needed to sit a bit, learn and practice, but had the intangibles to be a pretty good QB.
When Fitz got his leg broke at Indy and Savage came in, he looked really raw, but as the game progressed he looked like he was beginning to get his feet under him. I thought he might actually win that game for us, until Indy hurt his knee.
I was a little disappointed when they IR"d him for the year last year. But maybe it was for his benefit. On IR they would not be able to bring him back too early.
I really, really hope this kid is the answer. I liked the energy he brought to the offence and to the stadium when he went in last week, bringing a bit of excitement back to the fans. Makes one look forward to the next game.
When Fitz got his leg broke at Indy and Savage came in, he looked really raw, but as the game progressed he looked like he was beginning to get his feet under him. I thought he might actually win that game for us, until Indy hurt his knee.
I was a little disappointed when they IR"d him for the year last year. But maybe it was for his benefit. On IR they would not be able to bring him back too early.
I really, really hope this kid is the answer. I liked the energy he brought to the offence and to the stadium when he went in last week, bringing a bit of excitement back to the fans. Makes one look forward to the next game.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
By all accounts, Tom Savage has what it takes to be an NFL quarterback
December 22, 2016
The odyssey of strong-armed Texans quarterback Tom Savage can be traced to a grainy highlight video that still graces the website of the Cardinal O'Hara football program.
It provides an extended snapshot of rare velocity and torque on his throws, along with a gritty toughness as Savage embraced absorbing and dishing out contact.
Savage displayed a willingness to hang in the pocket under pressure, delivering spirals with poise. He showed off a cannon for an arm that still stands out as his top attribute.
"He's got the look of an NFL quarterback; his talent is undeniable," NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell said. "There's a lot to like about Savage; he throws it really well. He's a natural thrower, a natural pocket passer with poise and comfort back there.
"He's a big, strong guy. He definitely looks the part. I liked him a lot coming out of college. Being this type of quarterback who can stand in there and deliver the football is in his DNA."
However, Savage's maturation has involved a peripatetic journey for the former blue-chip Rutgers recruit to finally become an NFL starting quarterback in his third NFL season as he's preparing to make his first regular-season start Saturday night against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Savage rescued the Texans' playoff contender status by playing a mistake-free game as he led the offense on five scoring drives for a 21-20 comeback victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coach Bill O'Brien benched $72 million starting quarterback Brock Osweiler after he threw a pair of first-half interceptions.
Frustrated when he was replaced by Chas Dodd as Rutgers' starting quarterback during a sophomore year marred by injuries after he passed for 2,211 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions as a freshman, Savage bounced around the college ranks. He transferred to Arizona, sat out a year under the NCAA transfer rules, and left campus when Mike Stoops was fired and replaced by Rich Rodriguez, a proponent of a spread offense that didn't suit Savage's pocket-passer talents.
After enrolling at Pittsburgh, Savage hit his stride in his lone season of eligibility with 2,958 yards, 21 touchdowns and nine interceptions before being drafted by the Texans in the fourth round. Years later, Savage acknowledged that patience wasn't his strong suit as a teenager when he bolted from Rutgers.
Savage struggled during his most significant appearance as a rookie in 2014, throwing an interception and fumbling a handoff as he passed for 127 yards after starter Ryan Fitzpatrick broke his leg. Savage hurt his knee during that game. Then Savage spent all of last season on injured reserve with a sprained shoulder.
"Yeah, it's been a long journey," Savage said. "It's not really a sob story or anything. I had a longer journey to get to the NFL, obviously transferring twice, but I think it kind of made me the man I am today. Never take these things for granted.
"Just go out there and have fun and enjoy each day and enjoy the locker room. It's a great opportunity to go out there and kind of show what I can do. Really, I have to go out there and execute… I'm going to have some fun doing it and just go rip it."
Savage's calm, confident demeanor has resonated in the Texans' locker room and during other stops throughout his career.
'Tom has the right demeanor'
Playing for the late Dan Algeo in Springfield, Pa., Savage was the third-ranked QB recruit in the nation. He ran a wing-T offense but got enough opportunities to show off his passing skills that he was named to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and the Big 33 Football Classic. He threw for 2,547 yards and 20 TDs as a three-year starter.
Savage isn't the only NFL quarterback from the Philadelphia region, a group that includes former Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, the Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan, the Baltimore Ravens' Joe Flacco and the New York Giants' Ryan Nassib.
There's a considerable amount of excitement at his Catholic League high school, which Savage and his wife visited during the Texans' open week this fall.
"It was exciting to see Tommy jump in there when he got his number called, and the buzz up here has been great," said Car.dinal O'Hara football coach B.J. Ryan, who didn't coach Savage. "We just hope he continues to play well. He's got a great opportunity. He made some big-time throws Sunday.
"That's what has people fired up, but it's also because of the kind of person he is. He's humble. When people talk about Tommy in the building, the teachers always say, 'First-class guy, good kid, the type you want to represent your school and football program.' He's not a knucklehead."
As a rookie, the dead ringer for actor Nicolas Cage made it a point to listen more than he spoke.
Learning behind Fitzpatrick, Savage tried to glean as much knowledge as possible from him, O'Brien and offensive coordinator George Godsey.
Savage's low-key personality quickly won over veterans like Fitzpatrick and has continued to make him a popular man at the Texans' training facility.
"I think Tom has the right demeanor," said Fitzpatrick, who's now playing for the New York Jets. "He was a really laid-back guy. He had great habits, showing up early and staying late trying to get better every day. I think his laid-back demeanor, the way he's able to draw people to him as teammates and friends, are important qualities to have as a quarterback.
"Tom is a big, strong kid with a strong arm. Definitely a huge competitor. When he got into game mode, he had the right look in his eye. I know coach O'Brien and coach Godsey will put him in a great opportunity and have him well-coached up, and Tom will put in the time to understand the game plan… I'm excited to see how he does, and I think he'll take advantage of it."
At 6-4, 230 pounds that he has restructured over the past few seasons by getting into much better shape in the weight room, Savage completed 23 of 36 passes for 260 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions for a respectable 85.4 passer rating to rally the Texans past the Jaguars.
It was a quantum leap for the 26-year-old Savage compared with how relatively raw and unpolished he once was.
"I mean, it's not even close," O'Brien said. "He took advantage of his year last year when he was on injured reserve. He prepped every week like he was really a part of the game plan, like he was going to play, even though he was on injured reserve… He's a much improved player relative to that time when he played as a rookie."
Even-keeled and not prone to bragging, Savage has a quiet swagger. He doesn't seek attention, but he doesn't shy away from it, either.
"He's got a good personality," O'Brien said. "You've got to give credit to his family. I know his wife. I met his dad and his brother a few years ago. They were thinking about transferring to Penn State when I was the head football coach there. Good family. I think he's got a lot of positive traits when it comes to poise and being a consistent person."
Rather than pout about his setback last season, Savage dedicated himself to putting in extra work.
Savage spent a ton of hours with offensive assistant Pat O'Hara, a former NFL quarterback who played at USC.
"Just to stay motivated because I knew this opportunity was going to come back eventually, and I wasn't going to miss it," Savage said. "Pat, I mean, shoot, I owe him my whole career, to be honest with you. He's been there. He's quizzed me every day, even last year."
Boiling down Savage's game isn't complicated. Savage quickly scans the field, going through his progressions to identify his read and decisively find receivers in stride with the football before the defense can react. His timing and chemistry were remarkable Sunday considering his lack of experience in game situations.
"I think just getting the ball out of my hands and putting it into the athletes' hands," Savage said. "A lot of times as a young guy, you kind of hold on to the ball. And that's not what you want to do, especially against this (Cincinnati) defense. They have a great front four and fast defensive backs, so you just have to go out there and get the ball out of your hands and anticipate it.
"These coaches do a heck of a job of just building that foundation. They do a great job of just helping me go through these reads and stay in the pocket and get the ball out of your hands quick, because obviously, I'm not a burner by any means. So (I've) got to get the ball out and give it to the faster guys."
Latest in a long line
The ability to quickly assimilate information and apply that on the fly doesn't come as a surprise to Bengals rookie wide receiver Tyler Boyd, a former teammate at Pitt.
When Savage was a senior at Pitt in 2013, Boyd caught 85 passes for 1,174 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman to break Larry Fitzgerald's records.
Now with the Bengals, Boyd will compete against Savage on Saturday night at NRG Stadium.
"He was a real great player," Boyd said. "He got me up in the rankings, got my yards up. He was very accurate, a strong-armed guy. Our chemistry was clicking ever since I got there. He trusted me, and I trusted him.
"He's just a guy that knows the game, studies it a lot. … When I was getting recruited, I felt he was probably the most mature and most NFL-ready based off what I had seen."
Savage has seen the Texans' quarterback carousel keep turning over the past two seasons. He becomes the sixth starting quarterback in that span, joining Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett, T.J. Yates, Brandon Weeden and Osweiler, who struggled mightily this season with 16 interceptions and a poor 71.5 passer rating.
Savage is determined not to squander this opportunity to join the 32-man fraternity of NFL starting quarterbacks and perhaps solidify his future, the Texans' playoff outlook, and the big picture for an inconsistent offense that ranks 26th overall and 30th in passing offense.
"At a young time in my career, I learned that this opportunity can be taken away from you pretty quick," Savage said. "It's an awesome opportunity. I'm really excited about it, but right now I'm trying to stay away from the Kool-Aid a little bit and just go out there and execute my job and have some fun."
December 22, 2016
The odyssey of strong-armed Texans quarterback Tom Savage can be traced to a grainy highlight video that still graces the website of the Cardinal O'Hara football program.
It provides an extended snapshot of rare velocity and torque on his throws, along with a gritty toughness as Savage embraced absorbing and dishing out contact.
Savage displayed a willingness to hang in the pocket under pressure, delivering spirals with poise. He showed off a cannon for an arm that still stands out as his top attribute.
"He's got the look of an NFL quarterback; his talent is undeniable," NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell said. "There's a lot to like about Savage; he throws it really well. He's a natural thrower, a natural pocket passer with poise and comfort back there.
"He's a big, strong guy. He definitely looks the part. I liked him a lot coming out of college. Being this type of quarterback who can stand in there and deliver the football is in his DNA."
However, Savage's maturation has involved a peripatetic journey for the former blue-chip Rutgers recruit to finally become an NFL starting quarterback in his third NFL season as he's preparing to make his first regular-season start Saturday night against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Savage rescued the Texans' playoff contender status by playing a mistake-free game as he led the offense on five scoring drives for a 21-20 comeback victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coach Bill O'Brien benched $72 million starting quarterback Brock Osweiler after he threw a pair of first-half interceptions.
Frustrated when he was replaced by Chas Dodd as Rutgers' starting quarterback during a sophomore year marred by injuries after he passed for 2,211 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions as a freshman, Savage bounced around the college ranks. He transferred to Arizona, sat out a year under the NCAA transfer rules, and left campus when Mike Stoops was fired and replaced by Rich Rodriguez, a proponent of a spread offense that didn't suit Savage's pocket-passer talents.
After enrolling at Pittsburgh, Savage hit his stride in his lone season of eligibility with 2,958 yards, 21 touchdowns and nine interceptions before being drafted by the Texans in the fourth round. Years later, Savage acknowledged that patience wasn't his strong suit as a teenager when he bolted from Rutgers.
Savage struggled during his most significant appearance as a rookie in 2014, throwing an interception and fumbling a handoff as he passed for 127 yards after starter Ryan Fitzpatrick broke his leg. Savage hurt his knee during that game. Then Savage spent all of last season on injured reserve with a sprained shoulder.
"Yeah, it's been a long journey," Savage said. "It's not really a sob story or anything. I had a longer journey to get to the NFL, obviously transferring twice, but I think it kind of made me the man I am today. Never take these things for granted.
"Just go out there and have fun and enjoy each day and enjoy the locker room. It's a great opportunity to go out there and kind of show what I can do. Really, I have to go out there and execute… I'm going to have some fun doing it and just go rip it."
Savage's calm, confident demeanor has resonated in the Texans' locker room and during other stops throughout his career.
'Tom has the right demeanor'
Playing for the late Dan Algeo in Springfield, Pa., Savage was the third-ranked QB recruit in the nation. He ran a wing-T offense but got enough opportunities to show off his passing skills that he was named to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and the Big 33 Football Classic. He threw for 2,547 yards and 20 TDs as a three-year starter.
Savage isn't the only NFL quarterback from the Philadelphia region, a group that includes former Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, the Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan, the Baltimore Ravens' Joe Flacco and the New York Giants' Ryan Nassib.
There's a considerable amount of excitement at his Catholic League high school, which Savage and his wife visited during the Texans' open week this fall.
"It was exciting to see Tommy jump in there when he got his number called, and the buzz up here has been great," said Car.dinal O'Hara football coach B.J. Ryan, who didn't coach Savage. "We just hope he continues to play well. He's got a great opportunity. He made some big-time throws Sunday.
"That's what has people fired up, but it's also because of the kind of person he is. He's humble. When people talk about Tommy in the building, the teachers always say, 'First-class guy, good kid, the type you want to represent your school and football program.' He's not a knucklehead."
As a rookie, the dead ringer for actor Nicolas Cage made it a point to listen more than he spoke.
Learning behind Fitzpatrick, Savage tried to glean as much knowledge as possible from him, O'Brien and offensive coordinator George Godsey.
Savage's low-key personality quickly won over veterans like Fitzpatrick and has continued to make him a popular man at the Texans' training facility.
"I think Tom has the right demeanor," said Fitzpatrick, who's now playing for the New York Jets. "He was a really laid-back guy. He had great habits, showing up early and staying late trying to get better every day. I think his laid-back demeanor, the way he's able to draw people to him as teammates and friends, are important qualities to have as a quarterback.
"Tom is a big, strong kid with a strong arm. Definitely a huge competitor. When he got into game mode, he had the right look in his eye. I know coach O'Brien and coach Godsey will put him in a great opportunity and have him well-coached up, and Tom will put in the time to understand the game plan… I'm excited to see how he does, and I think he'll take advantage of it."
At 6-4, 230 pounds that he has restructured over the past few seasons by getting into much better shape in the weight room, Savage completed 23 of 36 passes for 260 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions for a respectable 85.4 passer rating to rally the Texans past the Jaguars.
It was a quantum leap for the 26-year-old Savage compared with how relatively raw and unpolished he once was.
"I mean, it's not even close," O'Brien said. "He took advantage of his year last year when he was on injured reserve. He prepped every week like he was really a part of the game plan, like he was going to play, even though he was on injured reserve… He's a much improved player relative to that time when he played as a rookie."
Even-keeled and not prone to bragging, Savage has a quiet swagger. He doesn't seek attention, but he doesn't shy away from it, either.
"He's got a good personality," O'Brien said. "You've got to give credit to his family. I know his wife. I met his dad and his brother a few years ago. They were thinking about transferring to Penn State when I was the head football coach there. Good family. I think he's got a lot of positive traits when it comes to poise and being a consistent person."
Rather than pout about his setback last season, Savage dedicated himself to putting in extra work.
Savage spent a ton of hours with offensive assistant Pat O'Hara, a former NFL quarterback who played at USC.
"Just to stay motivated because I knew this opportunity was going to come back eventually, and I wasn't going to miss it," Savage said. "Pat, I mean, shoot, I owe him my whole career, to be honest with you. He's been there. He's quizzed me every day, even last year."
Boiling down Savage's game isn't complicated. Savage quickly scans the field, going through his progressions to identify his read and decisively find receivers in stride with the football before the defense can react. His timing and chemistry were remarkable Sunday considering his lack of experience in game situations.
"I think just getting the ball out of my hands and putting it into the athletes' hands," Savage said. "A lot of times as a young guy, you kind of hold on to the ball. And that's not what you want to do, especially against this (Cincinnati) defense. They have a great front four and fast defensive backs, so you just have to go out there and get the ball out of your hands and anticipate it.
"These coaches do a heck of a job of just building that foundation. They do a great job of just helping me go through these reads and stay in the pocket and get the ball out of your hands quick, because obviously, I'm not a burner by any means. So (I've) got to get the ball out and give it to the faster guys."
Latest in a long line
The ability to quickly assimilate information and apply that on the fly doesn't come as a surprise to Bengals rookie wide receiver Tyler Boyd, a former teammate at Pitt.
When Savage was a senior at Pitt in 2013, Boyd caught 85 passes for 1,174 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman to break Larry Fitzgerald's records.
Now with the Bengals, Boyd will compete against Savage on Saturday night at NRG Stadium.
"He was a real great player," Boyd said. "He got me up in the rankings, got my yards up. He was very accurate, a strong-armed guy. Our chemistry was clicking ever since I got there. He trusted me, and I trusted him.
"He's just a guy that knows the game, studies it a lot. … When I was getting recruited, I felt he was probably the most mature and most NFL-ready based off what I had seen."
Savage has seen the Texans' quarterback carousel keep turning over the past two seasons. He becomes the sixth starting quarterback in that span, joining Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett, T.J. Yates, Brandon Weeden and Osweiler, who struggled mightily this season with 16 interceptions and a poor 71.5 passer rating.
Savage is determined not to squander this opportunity to join the 32-man fraternity of NFL starting quarterbacks and perhaps solidify his future, the Texans' playoff outlook, and the big picture for an inconsistent offense that ranks 26th overall and 30th in passing offense.
"At a young time in my career, I learned that this opportunity can be taken away from you pretty quick," Savage said. "It's an awesome opportunity. I'm really excited about it, but right now I'm trying to stay away from the Kool-Aid a little bit and just go out there and execute my job and have some fun."
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CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
I dug up that "grainy old film" of Savage's Ohara high school highlights (mentioned in the article above)...........pretty impressive even then.
Well, somebody sure thinks Savage is the answer. Check this article out from Bleacher Report and the video by Chris Simms. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...GRdcU0Fe-bfXV8eaw&sig2=Obm0_j9NH9CEu_Bbbp-u6A
I don't know how much stock I would put in to BR and Chris Simms but Simms sure likes Savage a lot.
I don't know how much stock I would put in to BR and Chris Simms but Simms sure likes Savage a lot.
Rockville
Load Up
After the Texans drafted Savage, I did some web research and found a few interesting articles back then. This one in particular.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap20...age-the-best-qb-prospect-youve-never-heard-of
I've been intrigued ever since.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap20...age-the-best-qb-prospect-youve-never-heard-of
I've been intrigued ever since.