Quarterback shuffle

ONCE AGAIN, TEAM IS SEARCHING FOR A LONG-TERM ANSWER AT QUARTERBACK

It’s Tom Savage’s team but rookie Deshaun Watson could challenge for No. 1.

Inside the Texans’ quarterback room, this latest situation sounds all too familiar on the surface. The quick take is simple, of course. That’s the standard dismissive opinion of how the defending AFC South champions’ most pivotal position once again lacks stability and experience. Constant change has been the watchword at quarterback during the Bill O’Brien era.

Yes, he’s started Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mallett, Case Keenum, Brian Hoyer, T.J. Yates, Brandon Weeden, Brock Osweiler and Tom Savage.

What could be different this year, though, is how O’Brien has the opportunity to develop a pair of homegrown quarterbacks.

There’s Savage, a strongarmed former fourth-round draft pick from Pitt who’s been in O’Brien’s system for three years while dealing with multiple injuries.

And there’s rookie Deshaun Watson, a celebrated firstround draft pick, national champion and consensus All-American from Clemson.

Savage has been installed as the starter without a formal competition, but Watson is getting snaps with the frontline players and has impressed the coaching staff with his knowledge of the offense, work ethic, athleticism and accuracy

O’Brien is hoping that the Texans’ quest for a success story is under center.

“Everybody is striving for stability at that position,” O’Brien said. “Obviously, we haven’t had stability there, and that hasn’t been any one person’s fault.”

Savage impresses in camp

So far at training camp, Savage has reacted well to the challenge.

By all accounts, Savage has made some sharp throws and hasn’t relinquished his grip on the starting job.

Savage has an ability to go through his reads to reach his second and third progressions That’s an edge so far for him over Watson.

“The goal is to keep feeling more and more comfortable with the guys, distribute the ball to the playmakers and protect it,” Savage said. “That’s the No. 1 goal. If you just look at our team and the defense we have, that’s just a no-brainer. If you can protect the ball, it’ll lead to victories.”

Savage has convinced Pro Bowl alternate wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins that he’s up to the task.

“I think I’ve played with more quarterbacks than any receiver in NFL history,” Hopkins said. “I think I should be a good judge to say if a quarterback’s going to be good.”

The Texans’ offense has struggled for years. A lot of the blame can be ascribed to the problems at quarterback.

“It’s about preparation and being on the same page,” Savage said. “You have to sit with the receivers and talk and look at the different windows the defense is giving us. It’s knowing when to take your shots and when not to.

“We’ve got some big-play receivers, and there’ll be some opportunities where we can chunk the ball down the field. You have to be smart with the ball and know when to take those shots and when to check it down.”

Praise for Watson

Watson is enjoying the journey as he learns on the fly at camp.

He’s learning from and competing with Savage and veteran Brandon Weeden.

“It’s been a blast,” Watson said. “It’s been good learning from great guys like Tom and Brandon. All of us are trying to find ways to get better, teaching each other, rooting for each other and trying to not get ahead of ourselves and to learn as much as we can.

“It’s amazing. It’s good, not just for me but for those guys, too. We’re all pretty much growing to be best friends, and we’re always hanging with each other. On the practice field, we’re rooting for each other. We’re always communicating. It’s a great environment.”

Watson is building a strong reputation with the coaching staff.

He’s impressed O’Brien, who tends to be reluctant to compliment younger players

“Very early, but he’s good,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s a smart guy who works hard. Good communicator. Loves football.

“In here all the time. Gets his food, goes up to the meeting room, watches the tape on his own — so does Tom. But for a young player, Deshaun’s a mature guy.”

What do the Texans’ defensive players think about Watson?

“His ability, you’ve seen it on the field,” outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus said. “Him being able to run, his arm and making some of the throws, it’s impressive. His composure is also very impressive for a rookie.”