Texans bench Brock Osweiler for Tom Savage and most on Twitter approve
It's been a disastrous first season in Houston for Osweiler
It took 15 weeks, but the Texans finally realized they have a better chance to win without Brock Osweiler, their $72 million quarterback. In the first half of their game against the Jaguars, the Texans benched Osweiler for Tom Savage.
It ended up working out. When Osweiler exited the game, the Texans trailed 13-0. They ended up winning 21-20, improving to 8-6 and remaining atop the AFC South, though the Titans also moved to 8-6 with a last-second win over the Chiefs.
The Texans had every reason to send Osweiler to the bench. He threw two interceptions before he left the game.
A sample of his work:
.@JalenRamsey will take that!
— NFL (@NFL) December 18, 2016
It's his FIRST career INT! #JAXvsHOUhttps://t.co/nq1G0gCfw2
"We don't make decisions [based] on how much a guy gets paid," said Texans coach Bill O'Brien after the game, per CBS Houston. "I try to make decisions in the best interest of the team.
"I felt at that time (bringing in Savage) was the best thing for the 46 guys on the sideline."
When the crowd realized that Osweiler was done for the day, they erupted into cheers like they just finished watching "Rogue One" for the first time. And that makes sense given Osweiler entered the game with the NFL's second-worst passer rating (73.4).
Twitter also approved of the move:
Osweiler pulled by O'Brien in Week 15.
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) December 18, 2016
Osweiler pulled by Kubiak in Week 17 last year
It's the most benchiest time of the year.
Elway & Co right now..... pic.twitter.com/Mk1thjDKdD
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) December 18, 2016
BREAKING: Houston Texans front office desperately searching for receipt on Brock Osweiler deal.
— Faux John Madden (@FauxJohnMadden) December 18, 2016
I feel as bad for Brock Osweiler as one could possibly feel for someone who was given $37 million guaranteed for no apparent reason
— Ben Baskin (@Ben_Baskin) December 18, 2016
Tom Savage replaces Brock Osweiler.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 18, 2016
Savage has $300,584 guaranteed in his current deal
Osweiler has $37,000,000 guaranteed in his deal
Savage, a fourth-round pick in 2014, appeared in two games during his career before Sunday. Against the Jaguars, he went 23 of 36 for 260 yards. He didn't throw a touchdown, but he also played turnover-free football, which means he was a substantial upgrade over Osweiler.
Still, O'Brien refused to say which quarterback will start against the Bengals on Christmas Eve.
O'Brien asked if Savage will start next week. He says he'll make decision that's best for team. They'll compete on practice field. #texans
— Bob Slovak (@BobSlovak13) December 18, 2016
I'm guessing it'll be Savage -- only because Osweiler is awful at playing quarterback. For what it's worth, Osweiler did at least pick up a #QBWin on Sunday, improving his career record to 13-8.
















