It wasn’t really ever a full-fledged quarterback controversy in Houston. The Texans were seemingly prepared to go with veteran Tom Savage over Deshaun Watson as the team’s starter all along. In fact, Texans head coach Bill O’Brien made this clear in the past.
But as the Texans head into the all-important third preseason game, O’Brien is making sure to quiet any rumors of a potential controversy.
Bill O'Brien on Tom Savage 'Tom is our starter. He's had a good camp' Emphasized he's No. 1 and Deshaun Watson No. 2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 22, 2017
Savage has performed well during the presason, completing 17-of-20 passes for 167 yards with a touchdown and zero interceptions. As it relates to Watson, who the team traded up for in April’s draft, he’s also done well. He’s thrown for 281 yards with two rushing touchdowns and zero picks in two preseason games.
This is most definitely a good problem for the Texans to have. If Savage can perform adequately enough to lead the team to another AFC South title, it would only allow Watson to sit and learn. If not, the rookie from Clemson is seemingly ready to handle regular season snaps.
In any event, this is something to keep an eye on early in the season. Savage may be the starter now, but it doesn’t mean he’ll last the entire season in that capacity.