One of the more eye-popping free agent signings in the NFL came when quarterback Brock Osweiller decided to leave the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos for the Houston Texans (four years, $72 million).
The Texans clearly needed an upgrade at the position and head coach Bill O’Brien was asked about his new quarterback at the NFL Owners Meetings in Boca Raton, FL on Tuesday.
“I think the one thing that I like about this guy is that he’s got good leadership ability,” said O’Brien. “We spent a lot of time studying a lot of different guys, college guys, pro guys and we felt like Brock gave us the best chance to win.”
Brock Osweiler’s All Right in Bill O’Brien’s Eyes
Is this shocking? No. First, Brian Hoyer is a man posing as a quarterback. Osweiller in his short time as the Broncos starter went 5-2 including a big win over the Patriots. Turns out Denver needed every single one of those five Osweiller led victories. They ended up taking the top seed in the AFC by the slimmest of margins.
But there was that time he was pulled at halftime of the Broncos final regular season game against San Diego for…what was his name again? Oh yes. Peyton Manning.
And the fact he lost his starting job to a sure fire Hall of Famer did not cause alarm bells to go off for O’Brien when they were considering signing Osweiller.
“I think it would give me reason to pause if it was anybody other than Peyton Manning. I think if I had Peyton Manning and he was ready to go, he’s one of the best of all-time. I think I would probably put him back in there too.”
Think? Think??? O’Brien was being kind. It’s a no brainer.
Let’s also go through the amazing list of starting QBs O’Brien has had the pleasure of throwing out there on Sundays over his two seasons. (Regular season starts in parentheses)
Ryan Fitzpatrick (12), Brian Hoyer (9), Ryan Mallett (6), T.J. Yates (2), Case Keenum (2) and Brandon Weeden (1).
How on earth did the Texans win 18 games with that group? Well, first, the AFC South is (was) weak. Second, a miracle.
But of course, O’Brien wouldn’t say that. Even though it would be awesome if he did.
“But I think the consistency of knowing that you have this guy who’s going to come in and be your starting quarterback because it’s such an important position on your team and in your organization, I think that’ll help our team,” added O’Brien. “OK, this is our guy and he’s going to do his work and we’re going to do our work. We don’t have to be distracted by anything else. I think that’s the big thing is that it eliminates the distractions.”
I’m distracted by what Osweiller is making.
