NFL Houston Texans

Ryan Mallett Will Be X-Factor For Houston Texans In Week 11

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By @JordanWevers

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This one is pretty cut-and-dried, with no reaching for peripheral players here. Though still not out of playoff contention, head coach Bill O’Brien thinks quarterback Ryan Mallett can provide his offense with more for the Houston Texans moving forward, who are hopeful of an outside shot at the playoffs.

A third-round draft pick in 2011, Mallett was considered a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy during his junior season with the Arkansas Razorbacks. He finished seventh in voting, and questions about his character ultimately made his draft stock fall some.

O’Brien was the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in 2011 when Mallett was drafted. The signal caller can be considered his pet project of sorts. It was initially thought he could be a pupil under Tom Brady, much like Aaron Rodgers was under Brett Favre. That ship has sailed.

Now in Houston, Mallett will make his first career start as an NFL quarterback against the gritty Cleveland Browns in Week 11. It’s a road start, so that does not help his cause. The Browns are coming off a strong performance against Andy Dalton and the hapless Cincinnati Bengals, where their defense forced four turnovers and sacked Dalton twice.

None of this matters. The bottom line is Ryan Fitzpatrick is out and Mallett is in. He will be expected to perform. The fourth-year pivot has attempted only nine passes in his professional career. The Texans will go only as far as Mallett can take them in 2014 and beyond, which there is no guarantee of.

A tall, prototypical pocket-passer, the 6-foot-6 Mallett will be playing with a chip on his shoulder. The 26-year old has something to prove after being projected as a first-round talent following his collegiate career. If he fails, he most certainly cannot blame it on a lack of influence and/or guidance.

Playing under Brady for three seasons, as well as Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, should have provided him with ample mentorship for his big moment, which will come 1 pm EST on Sunday, Nov. 16 at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Jordan Wevers is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanWevers, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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