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The Houston Texans currently boast a 6-3 record, good for first in the AFC South. But, there are still serious questions about their current quarterback situation.
This offseason, the Texans signed free agent Brock Osweiler to a four-year, $72 million deal. He's struggled to live up to the hype, which shouldn't be taken as an indictment against him, but rather Houston for giving him such a massive deal.
Osweiler only played in eight games last season, with his stock rising in part because of the wins his defense led him to. There's a reason the Broncos had no problem letting Brock walk in free agency.
Prior to signing Osweiler, the Texans ignored their need for a franchise quarterback in the draft for years. That fact is especially illuminated this week.
Heading into the 2014 draft, Fresno State's Derek Carr was considered by many pundits as the best quarterback available. But, in part because of his brother David's failures in the NFL as a number one overall pick (in Houston no less), Carr's stock dropped.
The Texans used the number one overall pick on star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, but they still had an opportunity to take Carr at the beginning of the second round. Instead, they drafted guard Xavier Su'a-Filo. Three picks later, Carr went to Oakland.
Behind Carr, the Raiders have risen from their 14-year drought to become a bona fide Super Bowl contender. On the heels of his first Pro Bowl season, Carr has completed 66.1 percent of his passes for 2,505 yards, 17 touchdowns, and three interceptions.
No Carr, no problem
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Yet, in hindsight, Texans head coach Bill O'Brien doesn't express regret for passing on Carr.
From the Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson:
“We evaluated all the quarterbacks in that draft and we felt like he was definitely one of the better quarterbacks,” O'Brien said of Carr, the younger brother of former Texans quarterback David Carr. “When it comes to the draft, Rick and I, we just try to make the decision for the team and that's what we did. We chose who we chose and we're happy with who we chose, but Derek is having a good year.”
Su'a-Filo rising
O'Brien went on to compliment Su'a-Filo, who has bounced back from injuries in previous seasons to become a solid member of their line:
“He's gotten much better,” O'Brien said. “He's one of the more improved guys on our team. Very good run blocker, comes off the ball and strikes you. In the passing game, he really worked hard on his pass protection and has gotten better.
“Sometimes, he's singled up against very good defensive tackles and he's held his own. That's not easy. That's the shortest distance to the quarterback. I think he's a much improved player and he's healthy. I think that's helped him. I think he's doing a good job.”
