Osweiler ready for first test
Quarterback says being prepared among lessons he has learned
The education of quarterback Brock Osweiler has involved plenty of hours spent haunting darkened film rooms and learning what amounts to a new language as he’s thoroughly absorbed the Texans’ intricate playbook.
All of that preparation hearkened back to the tidbits Osweiler gleaned as an understudy to former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning before joining the Texans in March on a four-year, $72 million contract.
“That was one thing I was able to see and learn from Peyton with my time with him,” Osweiler said Wednesday. “There was never a stone that was left unturned, if you will. He was always going to try to see every single blitz that they have in their book, possible unscouted looks. That’s really what I took from him and have added to my game. I can promise you there’s no wasted time throughout the week.” Fresh start
Now, Osweiler is putting that knowledge into practice this week as he gets ready to make his regular-season debut as the Texans’ quarterback Sunday in the season opener against the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium.
Because of his background, which includes winning five of seven starts last season for the Broncos before being replaced by Manning for the eventual Super Bowl champions, Osweiler has a comfort level following an offseason in which the Texans invested $37 million in guaranteed money as their new franchise quarterback.
“There’s no nerves,” Osweiler said. “That goes back to what I said about leaving no stone unturned. I believe if you prepare the correct way, what do you have to be nervous about? You’ve already played the game all week long. Now you just need to go connect the dots on Sunday.”
A towering quarterback at 6-8 and 235 pounds, Osweiler played for Bears coach John Fox in Denver when Fox was coaching the Broncos. The former second-round draft pick was extremely successful against the Bears in his first NFL start last year.
Osweiler completed 20 of 27 passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions and had a career-high 127.1 passer rating. Osweiler said he’s reviewed his notes from that game against the Bears and is anticipating a different strategy from them even though it’s the same head coach in Fox and defensive coordinator in Vic Fangio.
“Brock’s very smart, has a very high football IQ as far as understanding football as it revolves around the quarterback position,” Fox said during a conference call. “He got to spend a couple years with a pretty good guy in Peyton Manning and watch him work daily. He understands at a high level how to prepare.
“Skillset-wise, a lot was made coming out of his height. He’s tall, but he’s athletic. Sometimes, real tall guys are not as athletic. But Brock’s a very good athlete and has a good head on his shoulders. It doesn’t surprise me that Houston invested in him and that he’s done a very, very fine job from what I’ve seen on tape.”
During the preseason, Osweiler delivered a succession of improvement in three starts. He was commanding against the Arizona Cardinals in the third preseason game. Overall, he completed 27 of 39 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns with one interception for a 97.9 passer rating.
The Texans are hoping that he remains on a steady arc during games that actually count.
“I want to see him manage the offense the way he’s been doing it all during OTAs and training camp and in the preseason,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “I just want him to do a good job of making good decisions for the football team.”
Osweiler waited a long time for this opportunity and has made a habit of organizing informal throwing sessions.
Texans offensive coordinator George Godsey has seen an eagerness to learn from Osweiler.
“He’s taken the coaching as far as some issues that we’ve addressed, whether it’s getting rid of the ball quicker, making sure we get to certain plays versus certain looks,” Godsey said. “He’s been able to really digest it all, too. There’s not a limit as far as the information. He wants to be coached every day. He has a good, ‘Coach me, Coach’ attitude.” Eager for stability
After years of a quarterback carousel, including starting Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett, T.J. Yates and Brandon Weeden last year during a 9-7 season, the defending AFC South champions are optimistic that the arrival of Osweiler has finally stabilized the most important position in football.
“Obviously, having been through eight quarterbacks in two years here, you are look for stability, you are looking for a guy to come in and own the position and do a great job,” Texans defensive end J.J. Watt said. “I think he’s done that so far. We’ve managed to pull off 9-7 two years in a row with eight quarterbacks. I’m hoping with one we can do a hell of a better job.”
Although Osweiler didn’t indicate any nervousness at this stage of his career, he acknowledged that this isn’t a routine experience. Striking out on his own after years of learning behind Manning after negotiations with the Broncos didn’t result in a deal, Osweiler has high hopes.
“Very special,” Osweiler said. “Running out of the tunnel, I know my emotions will be very high. We’ll be ready to go. I can promise you that.”