Houston Texans' coach Bill O'Brien announced Wednesday that Ryan Mallett will replace Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starting quarterback, ESPN reported.
"Watching Ryan [Mallett] in practice every day, I believe it's gotten better and better," O'Brien said. "His huddle command, his knowledge of the offense, he's been in this system for four years. ... I think he's made a lot of progress whereas he's never played in a game or hasn't had many reps in a game. We're going to give him his shot to play."
Fitzpatrick was signed as a free agent during the offseason. He has thrown 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season. The Texans, after starting 3-1, are just 1-4 in their last five games with Fitzpatrick completing less than 60% of his passes in that span.
"I didn't like it," Fitzpatrick said of the change. "I don't really agree with it, but I respect the hell out of Coach O'Brien. It's a hard thing, especially with me at this point in my career, to have to sit and take a back seat. But in talking with him and him redefining my role and what he expects out of me now, I'm going to play the good soldier and go into that role."
Mallett, a third-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2011, thought his chance at starting may never come after four seasons on the bench.
"It sure didn't seem like it; I'll tell you that," Mallett answered when asked if he thought he'd get a starting opportunity. "I'll tell you that. It's been four years. It didn't seem like it ... I was starting to question if I'll ever get a shot. Well now I've got a shot. We'll see what I do with it."
The Texans acquired Mallett from the Patriots over the summer in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. O'Brien was New England's offensive coordinator while Mallett sat behind Tom Brady.
"When he got me right after the draft, I was 22, 23 ... I was still a young kid," Mallett said. "Didn't really understand the league and how it worked and how much extra work needed to be put in. Now I do and I love it. It's fun. I love this game so much. It makes this easier."
"He has a much better knowledge of football and what it takes to be prepared," O'Brien said of Mallett. "Now it's time to put him out there and see what he can do."
Houston will play the Cleveland Browns this week.
