Tom Savage, quarterback, Texans
When: Tom Savage replaced Brock Osweiler in Week 15 after Osweiler, Houston’s $72 million quarterback, threw a pair of interceptions in the first half against the Jaguars and was subsequently benched. Last weekend, Savage helped the Texans clinch the AFC South title in his first start, against Cincinnati, and will lead them again in their regularseason finale at Tennessee on New Year’s Day.
What’s up: Osweiler’s 16th interception of the season was the tipping point. The guy Houston signed after only seven starts in his NFL career, all with the Broncos, had failed to live up to expectations — or his hefty contract — so Bill O’Brien decided to bench him and give Savage a try. In his six quarters at the helm, Savage has completed 41-of-65 passes for 436 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions for an 82.6 passer rating. He has also taken four sacks.
Background: A 6-foot-4, 230-pound quarterback out of Pittsburgh, Savage was selected in the fourth round (No. 135 overall) of the 2014 draft by Houston. He was placed on injured reserve in 2015 after hurting his shoulder in preseason and has played in only four regularseason games in his pro career.
Jhabvala’s take: Savage was welcomed with open arms in Week 15. Few knew what he was capable of, and many still don’t. But the change, fans believed, offered hope of improvement. So far it has. Savage has played solidly for Houston the last two games and, most important, has protected the ball. Nothing against Osweiler, but right now, Savage is clearly the better QB for the Texans heading into the playoffs. Now if only he can put up some touchdowns and fix Houston’s red-zone issues.