The Houston Texans have quarterback drama and Andre Johnson is simply trying to remain neutral about the entire situation. The Texans have been struggling heavily on offense throughout the season with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. The veteran quarterback was meant to be a solid stop-gap option while Tom savage developed underneath him. However, that experience failed to positive results and now Ryan Mallett is getting his shot to start. Johnson says he just supports whatever decision the coaches make.
Johnson has suddenly gone very neutral in terms of the Texans' future. The wide receiver made headlines this past offseason for being very outspoken over his displeasure with the direction of the team. After Houston failed to grab a marquee quarterback or anyone for offensive help, Johnson admitted that he was considering a change. Now, the Texans are doing all they can to create a spark and Johnson has gone quiet.
"I support both of them. Both of them are my teammates. Whoever's out there, Mallett or Fitz, I'll give it my best to get open. I feel comfortable with both guys," Johnson said, via the Houston Chronicle.
Johnson's season has not exactly been one to remember. The wide receiver who holds most of the franchise records has just 563 yards and one touchdown through nine games. In comparison, last year he had 698 yards and five touchdowns through this time of the season. The wide receiver is certainly not thrilled with the struggling offense and inconsistency of the quarterback position and head coach Bill O'Brien is trying to remedy that.
O'Brien announced that the Texans would be starting Mallett after the bye week in hopes that it gives the Texans an added boost. The team made a trade for the quarterback right before the 2014 season started. It seemed like the perfect fit considering his familiarity with O'Brien when they worked together with the New England Patriots. However, the Texans had yet to use the quarterback despite the veteran's struggles.
Mallett will have a full array of weapons to work with. Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins will be on the field as will running back Arian Foster who told the Houston Chronicle that he plans to play come Week 11 which will certainly help the quarterback. This is Mallett's audition for a starting job. He had a lot of hype in the offseason for his potential, much like Kirk Cousins did. Cousins failed to take hold of the opportunity, now Mallett has his chance. Entering a contract year, he is vying for a new deal as the Texans continue to search for their starting quarterback.
