The Birth of the Houston Texans
The Houston Texans were established as the NFL's 32nd franchise in 2002, marking the return of professional football to Houston after the Oilers relocated to Tennessee in 1996. The team's initial seasons were marked by a search for stability, and the quarterback position proved to be a critical area of focus.
Expansion Draft and Early Years (2002-2005)
In their inaugural season, the Texans selected David Carr as the first overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. Carr was expected to be the face of the franchise, but his early years were plagued by inconsistent play and a lack of support from the offensive line.
- David Carr (2002-2006): Carr's tenure with the Texans was characterized by both promise and frustration. He started 75 games for the team, throwing for over 14,000 yards and 59 touchdowns. However, he also faced immense pressure and was sacked 249 times, which significantly impacted his development.
- Backup Quarterbacks: During Carr's time, the Texans had several backup quarterbacks, including Sage Rosenfels and Joey Harrington, who provided limited support. Their performances often highlighted the struggles Carr faced as the starter.
A New Era: The Arrival of Matt Schaub (2007-2013)
In 2007, the Texans made a pivotal move by trading for quarterback Matt Schaub, who would go on to redefine the position for the franchise. Schaub's arrival marked a turning point, leading to a period of relative stability and success.
- Matt Schaub (2007-2013): Schaub became the franchise's most successful quarterback, setting numerous team records during his tenure. He threw for over 23,000 yards and 124 touchdowns, leading the Texans to their first playoff appearances in 2011 and 2012. His ability to read defenses and connect with star wide receiver Andre Johnson created a formidable offensive duo.
- 2011 Pro Bowl Selection: Schaub's performance in 2011 earned him a Pro Bowl selection, further solidifying his status as one of the league's top quarterbacks.
Challenges and Changes: The Post-Schaub Era (2014-2016)
After the Texans' success under Schaub, the team faced a downturn in performance, leading to significant changes at the quarterback position. The transition was rocky, with several players trying to fill the void left by Schaub.
- Ryan Fitzpatrick (2014): Fitzpatrick served as a bridge quarterback, starting 12 games for the Texans. He had moments of brilliance, including a memorable performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he threw six touchdown passes.
- Brock Osweiler (2015-2016): The Texans signed Osweiler to a lucrative free-agent deal, but his performance was underwhelming. He struggled with consistency, leading to his departure after just one season as the starter.
- Tom Savage (2016): Savage had limited opportunities but showed flashes of potential. He ultimately started the final two games of the season, but the team continued to search for a long-term solution.
The Deshaun Watson Era (2017-2020)
The Texans found their franchise quarterback in Deshaun Watson, who was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Watson's arrival brought renewed hope and excitement to the franchise.
- Deshaun Watson (2017-2020): Watson quickly established himself as one of the league's premier quarterbacks. In his rookie season, he threw for 1,699 yards and 19 touchdowns in just six games before suffering a season-ending injury.
- Record-Breaking Performances: Watson set numerous franchise records during his tenure, including the highest single-season passing yards (4,823 in 2020) and the most touchdown passes in a season (33 in 2019).
- Pro Bowl Selections: Watson was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2018 and 2019, showcasing his talent and leadership on the field.
Transitioning to the Future (2021-Present)
Following the tumultuous end of Watson's time with the Texans, the franchise faced uncertainty regarding its quarterback situation. The team entered a rebuilding phase, seeking to establish a new identity.
- Tyrod Taylor (2021): Taylor was brought in to stabilize the quarterback position but suffered injuries that limited his impact. He started six games before rookie Davis Mills took over.
- Davis Mills (2021-Present): Mills, drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, showed promise as a starter. In his rookie season, he displayed poise and accuracy, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 16 touchdowns.
- Future Outlook: The Texans are currently evaluating their options at quarterback, with Mills potentially being the long-term solution or a stepping stone as they explore other possibilities through the draft and free agency.
Conclusion
The Houston Texans QB history is a tale of challenges, triumphs, and ongoing evolution. From David Carr's tumultuous start to Deshaun Watson's record-breaking performances, the franchise has experienced a wide range of quarterback play. As the Texans continue to rebuild, the quest for a franchise quarterback remains a top priority, with the hope that the future will bring stability and success to this proud organization. The legacy of each quarterback adds a unique chapter to the Texans' story, shaping the team for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first starting quarterback for the Houston Texans?
The first starting quarterback for the Houston Texans was David Carr, who played from 2002 to 2006.
Which quarterback holds the record for the most passing yards in a single season for the Texans?
Deshaun Watson holds the record for the most passing yards in a single season for the Texans, with 4,823 yards in the 2020 season.
What year did the Texans draft Deshaun Watson?
The Texans drafted Deshaun Watson in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Who was the Texans quarterback during their first playoff appearance?
The Texans' quarterback during their first playoff appearance in the 2011 season was T.J. Yates.
Which quarterback had the highest quarterback rating in a season for the Texans?
Deshaun Watson recorded the highest quarterback rating in a season for the Texans with a rating of 112.4 in 2020.
How many Pro Bowl selections has Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson received?
Deshaun Watson has received three Pro Bowl selections during his career with the Texans.
What notable injury did David Carr suffer during his tenure with the Texans?
David Carr suffered multiple injuries during his tenure, including a severe right ankle injury in 2004 that required surgery.
Who was the Texans' starting quarterback before Deshaun Watson took over?
The starting quarterback for the Texans before Deshaun Watson was Brock Osweiler, who played for the team in 2016.
