This upcoming season has a question that needs to be answered and known by the end of training camp. Who is starting under center come week one?
Many fans, including myself, would love to see new rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson start under center when the season comes underway. The most logical answer would be to start Tom Savage, the Texans project for the past 3 years. Tom understands the system well, and can run an NFL offense. He might’ve not been the greatest, but he showed flashes of skill when he was called upon when Bill O’Brien benched Brock late in the season.
Tom Savage has had his couple of injuries. He injured his throwing shoulder 2 years ago, while getting an extended concussion this past season right before the playoffs. Many speculate if his health will be 100% throughout the season, something the Texans haven’t really had at QB since Matt Shaub. If Tom could stay healthy and run the system as well as he did when Brock was benched late in the season against the Jaguars. Tom has been groomed for years, and is the easiest and the best choice to throw under center day one.
Then comes the rookie.
Every fan wants to see this kid shine.. I mean, the Texans were so high on him, they traded up 12 spots to get him! The fan base has been asking for a new QB to play under center since Tom Savage was drafted. Tom was the hope we all had before Deshaun was drafted.. Suddenly, there’s a new sheriff in town. Watson has shown flashes of improvements in the off season at training camp this summer. He has proven he can throw long balls, and be accurate. On the other side, he still has trouble with his short routes, and accuracy in the medium range game. He often can get under pressure and make a quick mistake that is costly. He’s a rookie.. this is expected right? Yes. He doesn’t need to start day one. The Texans don’t want to ruin his system learning, and want to make sure when he is thrown into a game, he won’t be out there not knowing what to do. This is why his development is essential for the Texans.
In the end, I would love to see our rookie QB shine under the spotlight, or crumble under pressure, but to get the experience is the most helpful part. Tom Savage should be the starter day 1 with how things are going in camp, and Watson will sit on the sidelines for some parts of the season. Don’t be surprised to see him in there mid-season if Savage has a couple of hiccups.
