Jul 27, 2017; Greenbrier, WV, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) throws during training camp at The Greenbrier. Photo Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.VA. — Tom Savage will get the start Wednesday night for the Houston Texans as they open the preseason against the Carolina Panthers as the former backup tries to establish himself as the defending AFC South champions’ new QB1.
Rookie backup Deshaun Watson will play extensively, followed by third quarterback Brandon Weeden.
“Tom’s going to start the game,” Texans head coach Bill O’Brien said. “Deshaun and Brandon will play.”
As for how much time the quarterbacks will play, O’Brien was noncommittal.
“You have no idea how the game’s going to play out,” he said. “How long is this drive? How long is that drive? You have to play it by ear relative to how the game goes.”
Savage has taken every snap with the first-team offense during training camp. He needs all the repetitions he can get because he’s started only two games in his first three seasons. O’Brien expects a sharp night.
“Good operation of the offense,” O’Brien said about what he wants to see from the offense. “Take care of the football. Getting in and out of the huddle quickly. From all three of them, just a clean game, a clean operation. Everybody on the same page, and see if we can score some points.”
O’Brien said having Savage and Weeden has been good for Watson’s development.
“Absolutely,” he said. “When Deshaun has a question, (they) can help him, not just the coach. That’s what these guys do. Tom and Brandon have done a really good job with Deshaun of kind of giving him their own insight into the offense, which is good to see.”
–Even though the trip to Carolina is for only a preseason game, Savage expects a lot from himself.
“I think just consistency,” he said. “Ultimately, we’ve got to score points. That’s what I want to accomplish on Wednesday and then protect the ball.”
Like his teammates and coaches, Savage is eager to begin the preseason schedule.
“Yeah, I know our offense and defense are kind of getting on each other’s nerves right now,” he said. “It’ll be good to take it out on someone else.”
Savage enjoys working with the other quarterbacks, Watson and Weeden.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “We’re always communicating with each other. That’s what we want to see. That’s the name of this game. We want to win games and by that, you’ve got to have good leadership in that room, and we’ve got to be a tight-knit room.”
