Brian Hoyer: Who Will Backup Newly-Named Starter?

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

On Monday, the Houston Texans named newly acquired quarterback Brian Hoyer the team’s starter for Week 1.

Hoyer was acquired back in March, when he left the Johnny Manziel-hyped Cleveland Browns for a two-year, $10.5 million dollar agreement in Houston. Back in Cleveland, he shined for the first half of the season, but later would falter, causing Manziel to take over the starting position. This can only lead speculation that the same competition would follow him to Houston.

He signed with the team knowing he may not start, since they already had Ryan Mallett and Tom Savage on the depth chart.

Mallett, who was acquired by the team via trade, has only started two games in his four-year career. He split the decisions with one win and one loss.

Back with the Patriots, many teams were interested in trading for him, proving he was worthy of a starting position. The Texans gave up a conditional seventh round pick, that can become a sixth round pick based on playing time in exchange for him.

He tore his pectoral muscle after starting his only two games. That injury hurt is chances of being the long-term starter, as the team went on to sign Hoyer. Mallett’s chances of being the starter are small, but if Hoyer goes down due to injury or bad play, Mallett is the next guy up for the position.

Savage has had very little NFL experience since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. His only game came against the Indianapolis Colts, when starter Ryan Fitzpatrick broke his leg early in the second quarter.

Savage struggled in that game, throwing two turnovers and no touchdowns. They lost the game, and afterwards, the team put Houston alum Case Keenum in charge for the last two games. Ever since, Savage has seen no playing time and is now behind two quarterbacks on the depth chart.

Savage’s chances of being the starter are slim and unless the Texans are playing very poorly, Savage may not see the field this season.

Hoyer’s main competition comes from Ryan Mallett. Mallett has proved he can be a starting quarterback, and Hoyer needs to show he is a better quarterback that gives this team the best chance to make the playoffs, and essentially, a Super Bowl.