Houston Texans backup quarterback Ryan Mallett missed the flight to Florida with his team and had to fly commercially to be present for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
He blamed traffic for an excuse.
Ryan Mallett on missing flight 'I got caught in traffic it's not the leadership role I need to exhibit'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 25, 2015
This isn’t the only issue the Texans have had to deal with when it comes to Mallett’s irresponsibility. A couple of months ago, he allegedly overslept and was late to training camp after Brian Hoyer was named the starting quarterback. He claimed his alarm clock did not go off.
When the Texans were asked by reporters about Mallett’s status with the team after another tardiness incident, head coach Bill O’Brien wouldn’t answer specific questions about any of it but did note they were talking about their options.
“We’re dealing with Ryan Mallett internally, Rick Smith and I. We’re talking about it. We’re talking about our options,” per the Houston Chronicle.
Unfortunately there aren’t really many options because Mallett and Hoyer are the only two quarterbacks on the roster that know the Texans’ offense. Third-stringer Tom Savage is on injured reserve dealing with a shoulder injury. If Houston released Mallett it could leave the team in even worse shape than it already is, should Hoyer get injured.
Mallett’s lack of leadership, maturity and loyalty to his team was already quite apparent a couple of weeks ago when the Texans decided to let Brian Hoyer finish a game Mallett started. Mallett departed the game against the Indianapolis Colts after he took a big hit, and Hoyer played so well that he remained in the game and kept the starting job.
All the while Mallett sat on the sidelines fuming and stewing while he watched Hoyer score touchdowns. He must grow up if ever wants a shot at starting with the Texans or any other NFL team after this season.
With that said, the quarterback situation in Houston is quite the mess. Therefore, Texans might as well tank their unsuccessful season, go for that overall draft pick in 2016 and target a premiere rookie quarterback prospect to give themselves a chance at a bright future.