Texans coach says Watson is backup QB |
Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien couldn’t be more clear on
Deshaun Watson’s status late in training camp.
“Tom (Savage) is No. 1 and Deshaun is No. 2 and we’ll go from there,” O’Brien told reporters of the QB pecking order Tuesday. Savage is entering his fourth year in the league and came into camp as the favorite. His performance over the last month hasn’t shaken O’Brien’s confidence in Savage come the Texans home opener Sept. 10 versus Jacksonville. “Tom is playing well this camp,” said O’Brien. “Tom has really had a good camp. He has only thrown three incompletions in two games. He’s really got good command of our offense. “Deshaun is a really good young player who has a great future in this league. Let’s put the cards on table – that’s what it is.” Watson, who’s scored two rushing touchdowns in preseason action, still has plenty of ground to make up. “Tom has been here for four years,” O’Brien said. “The way that we want to play, the style that we want to play relative to getting guys lined up, relative to cadence, relative to protection points and route reads and putting guys in the right spot – Tom is ahead of Deshaun on that.” The fourth-year Houston coach also ruled any use of special packages to get Watson experience if Savage holds onto the job. “It can be done,” O’Brien said, “but it’s not going to be done here.” The first-round pick has completed 18-of-35 throws for 281 yards so far in preseason contests and gets his next opportunity to impress Saturday night at 8 p.m. in New Orleans. TFW Tom Savage is announced as the Texans starting QB over Deshaun Watson pic.twitter.com/NWSBY4Rp4X Among QBs with at least 20 pass attempts this preseason, @TomSavage03 leads the NFL with an 85.0 comp. %. Next closest is 79.2% (J.Goff). pic.twitter.com/3wi6BlSXk8 Texans announce they're going with veteran Tom Savage at QB over the rookie. Bill O'Brien has had a very quick hook in past. Will he again?
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