After 14 starts this season, Brock Osweiler was benched in the second quarter of Sunday's game against Jacksonville. Head coach Bill O'Brien sent backup Tom Savage in relief after Osweiler threw interceptions on back-to-back possessions and was unable to get into scoring range after five series.
"The quarterback position is the most difficult position to play in sports, in my opinion," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "Obviously, that's a very biased opinion. We feel like we have really good quarterbacks in there that prepare, that work hard, and sometimes, just like I was trying to say earlier, you have a feeling about it and just feel that's the best decision for the team."
Both quarterbacks handled the switch like professionals, according to O'Brien. Osweiler completed 6-of-11 passes for 48 yards and the two interceptions before exiting the game.
"As a competitor anytime you don't play well, you get pulled out of game, of course there's disappointment," Osweiler said. "That's a natural human reaction. Also, there's disappointment because you want to be your best for your teammates. I love this football team. I love every single player in this locker room. I love this coaching staff. The McNair family, Rick Smith, everybody for giving me this opportunity. You are disappointed because you feel like you let them down."
Osweiler continued to cheer on his teammates from the sideline throughout the game. Despite disappointment in his own performance, Osweiler said he was happy for the team pulling out a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Jaguars 21-20, in a game that the Texans needed to win. Last year with the Broncos, Osweiler was benched in Week 17 against San Diego after leading Denver to a 5-2 record in his role as starter.
"Unfortunately, I've been down this road before," Osweiler said. "I understand what it's like to get benched in the middle of a football game. Ultimately having a big picture view on the deal, it's all about being the next man up and being a great teammate. Tom stepped in today, and he played a phenomenal game. The guys really rallied around him. Our defense played great. This game is so much bigger than just one person. This is about the team."
The Texans will next host the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday in a primetime Christmas Eve matchup. O'Brien says he has not yet determined who the starting quarterback will be in the Week 16 game.
Check out the best photos of the Texans as they take on the Jaguars at NRG Stadium.
