Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien and quarterback Brock Osweiler appeared to have gotten into it at halftime mark of last Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.
Voices were definitely raised and tempers were flaring. But on Wednesday, O’Brien downplayed the sideline chaos.
“Look, it’s an intense game,” O’Brien said per Aaron Wilson of chron.com. “It’s football. You’ve got competitive guys, passionate guys about the team, about winning, especially quarterback-head coach. If there was a what you would term a heated exchange, that happens all the time. I’m not sure what you’re referring to. Those things happen. We’re very focused on the Raiders game.”
Osweiler was called back under center during that game after quarterback Tom Savage was evaluated for concussion-like symptoms.
The team has since announced that Osweiler will start Saturday’s Wild Card game against the Oakland Raiders. Fortunately for Osweiler, his last performance was turnover-free.
Osweiler also would not fess up to having an argument with his coach.
“What happens between coach O’Brien and myself or whatever’s said between coach O’Brien and myself, it stays between us,” Osweiler said. “That’s where I’m going to leave that. My focus has moved toward Oakland.”
That might be fine and dandy, but this is now the second time the two have reportedly got into it during the 2016 season. There has to be something more to it than simply indicating that whatever happens stays between the two individuals.
The Texans play host to the Oakland Raiders who are unfortunately without starting quarterback Derek Carr. Houston’s defense will play a major role in attempting thwart the efforts of Oakland’s rookie quarterback Connor Cook’s offense.
At the same time, Osweiler will need to avoid the ugly turnovers he has not had much luck in doing all season. This game should be an interesting one to say the least. If Osweiler somehow winds up benched again, the Texans will have to turn to veteran Brandon Weeden to get the job done.