Early Years of the Texans
The Texans were introduced to the NFL as an expansion team, filling the void left by the Houston Oilers. With their inception in 2002, the franchise sought to establish a competitive roster from the ground up. The quarterback position, being pivotal in a team's success, was a focal point of the Texans' early years.
2002-2005: The Expansion Era
The Texans' first-ever quarterback was David Carr, selected first overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. Carr's tenure was marked by:
- Struggles with Protection: The offensive line was weak, leading to Carr being sacked a staggering 76 times in his rookie season.
- Inconsistent Performance: Despite showing flashes of potential, Carr's performance was hampered by the lack of a supporting cast and a strong running game.
- Franchise Growth: Carr played a significant role in establishing the Texans' identity, but his time with the team ended in 2006 after a disappointing 2005 season.
Following Carr, the Texans attempted to solidify their quarterback situation with Sage Rosenfels and Matt Schaub. Rosenfels provided a brief spark, but it was Schaub, acquired in 2007, who would become a pivotal figure in the franchise's history.
The Rise of Matt Schaub
Schaub was traded to the Texans from the Atlanta Falcons in 2007 and quickly became the team's starter. His tenure marked a significant period for the franchise.
Key Accomplishments
- Pro Bowl Selections: Schaub was named to the Pro Bowl in 2009 and 2012, showcasing his skills and recognition within the league.
- Franchise Records: He set multiple franchise records, including single-season passing yards and touchdowns.
- Playoff Appearances: Under Schaub's leadership, the Texans made their first playoff appearance in 2011, providing a sense of legitimacy to the franchise.
Challenges During Schaub's Tenure
Despite his successes, Schaub faced challenges:
- Injury Issues: Injuries plagued his later years, limiting his effectiveness.
- Playoff Struggles: The Texans' playoff performances were often marred by turnovers, particularly in the 2012 postseason.
Schaub's departure in 2014 left a significant void in the quarterback position, as the Texans sought a new identity.
The Search for Stability
After Schaub, the Texans cycled through various quarterbacks, including Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum, and Brock Osweiler. This period was characterized by inconsistency and a lack of continuity in the quarterback room.
Ryan Fitzpatrick (2014)
Fitzpatrick had a brief but notable stint with the Texans, starting 12 games in 2014. His experience brought stability, and he led the team to a 7-5 record before being sidelined by injury.
Case Keenum (2013, 2014)
Keenum, a product of the University of Houston, had a brief opportunity as a starter. While he showcased potential, he was unable to secure the starting role long-term.
Brock Osweiler (2016)
Osweiler, signed to a lucrative contract in 2016, was expected to be the franchise quarterback. Unfortunately, his performance fell short of expectations, leading to a disappointing season that ended in a first-round playoff exit.
Deshaun Watson: A New Era
In 2017, the Texans selected Deshaun Watson in the first round of the NFL Draft, marking a significant turning point for the franchise.
Impact of Deshaun Watson
- Immediate Success: Watson’s rookie season featured impressive performances, including a stretch of games where he threw multiple touchdowns while showcasing his dual-threat abilities.
- Franchise Records: Watson quickly broke multiple franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns in a single season.
- Playoff Appearances: He led the Texans to the playoffs in 2018 and 2019, solidifying his status as a franchise cornerstone.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite his success on the field, Watson's tenure with the Texans was marred by controversies:
- Coaching Changes: His relationship with the coaching staff became strained, particularly with the hiring of head coach Bill O'Brien.
- Legal Issues: Off-field controversies in 2021 led to Watson’s absence from the team, creating uncertainty for the franchise.
The Post-Watson Era
Following Watson's tumultuous exit from the team, the Texans were left to rebuild once again. The quarterback position became a priority for the front office as they sought to establish a new foundation.
2021-2023: New Faces in the Quarterback Room
- Tyrod Taylor: Signed in 2021, Taylor brought veteran experience but was limited due to injuries.
- Davis Mills: The Texans selected Mills in the third round of the 2021 draft. He stepped in as the starter and showed flashes of potential, leading the Texans in several competitive games.
- C.J. Stroud (2023): The Texans selected Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, signaling a new era for the franchise. As a highly touted prospect, expectations are high for Stroud to lead the Texans back to contention.
Challenges Ahead
As the Texans look to the future with Stroud under center, they must address several key challenges:
- Building a Supporting Cast: A solid offensive line and playmaking weapons will be crucial for Stroud's success.
- Developing a Winning Culture: Establishing a competitive mindset within the locker room is vital for the long-term success of the franchise.
Conclusion
The Houston Texans quarterback history is a tale of evolution, filled with highs and lows that reflect the challenges of building a successful NFL franchise. From David Carr’s early struggles to Deshaun Watson’s electrifying performances, and now the hopeful future with C.J. Stroud, the quarterback position has been central to the Texans' identity. As the franchise continues to grow, the hope is that the next chapter will be one of consistency, competitiveness, and ultimately, success in the NFL.
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 for the team from its inception in 2002 until 2006.
Which Houston Texans quarterback holds the record for the most passing yards in a single season?
Deshaun Watson holds the record for the most passing yards in a single season for the Texans, with 4,823 yards in 2020.
How many Pro Bowl selections did Matt Schaub earn during his time with the Texans?
Matt Schaub earned two Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Houston Texans, in 2009 and 2012.
What notable achievement did Deshaun Watson accomplish in his rookie season?
In his rookie season in 2017, Deshaun Watson threw for 1,699 yards and 19 touchdowns in just seven games before suffering a season-ending injury.
Which quarterback led the Texans to their first-ever playoff victory?
Matt Schaub led the Texans to their first-ever playoff victory in 2012 when they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.
Who is the all-time leader in touchdown passes for the Houston Texans?
As of October 2023, Deshaun Watson is the all-time leader in touchdown passes for the Houston Texans, with 104 touchdown passes.
