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Houston Texans: Why Tom Savage will have a banner season

By Brian K. Patterson

Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) signals before the play against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Houston defeated San Francisco 24-13. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) signals before the play against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Houston defeated San Francisco 24-13. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Every season for the Houston Texans since Bill O’Brien has been at the helm, it seems as if there has been quarterback battle.

Yes, Houston Texans fans, we’re about to embark on another journey of another battle with this one being the bloodiest as of yet.  Bill O’Brien has proven that no matter who he has under center, he is able to win despite their shortcomings.  There have been many who have come through that door that had a lot but were able to overcome with two back-to-back division wins in the past many of seasons.

It’s remarkable what he’s done and I applaud our head coach to the utmost for keeping the Houston Texans relevant with some respectability added to the image of the franchise.  His blue-collar, no-holds barred, in-for-face attitude with a high regard for accountability is what’s driving this team’s fire to win.  Now we can’t win every game but he’ll be damn sure that we’re going to fight hard doing so.

Which leads to an important battle that will be going on come training camp in August.  The match became official when the Houston Texans traded up with the Cleveland Browns to nab Clemson quarterback phenom Deshaun Watson with the 12th pick.  I honestly didn’t think that Rick Smith had the guts to do it but here were are, possessing arguably the best QB in this year’s draft.

The fact that we drafted a quarterback high this year definitely has put Tom Savage in the hot seat.  Although he didn’t do anything necessarily to be in that position, the fact of the matter is that he is there.  And that’s whether he likes that or not.  A competition is always helpful, especially for an athlete because it certainly tests one’s mettle in their will to win and to be great.

We’ve saw flashes of brilliance out of Tom and I do believe he has the potential to be a solid quarterback in this league.  He may not necessarily be here in Houston long-term but I think he’ll be able to find a job easily.

But this season is make or break for Tom, not only he has competition with Watson breathing over his shoulder, this is the last year of his rookie deal so if he wants to get a pay bump and secure his job as a ballplayer in the league, he’s got to show out.  And you know what?  I think he will.  As long as he stays healthy and executes the way O’Brien wants him to, I see no reason why he’ll have the best season of career.

As I’ve said before — other than O’Brien — no other players know the playbook better than Tom who has been with the regime since Day 1.  As much of the thought I’ve had to starting Watson Week 1, we’ve got to be practical as this guy has to learn to play at the pro level.  Unless he blows the door open in training camp, Savage will be under center Week 1.  Also, there’s no pressure to start Watson now as we have the tools to be successful; and quite frankly, this team is still very damn good.

Next: What will the signing of Moore and Anderson mean?

So Savage will achieve personal bests this year and it won’t be that tough to beat — he has only passed for 588 yards off 92 passes with one pick and two touchdowns.  His passer rating is at 74.9 for his career.

It’s time to step it up Tom — I know you have it in you.

Go Texans.

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