HOUSTON -- Some see the Texans as a team with all the right pieces in place except quarterback.

"If only they had a quarterback" goes the refrain often when people opine about this team.

Texans coach Bill O'Brien will have none of that as he conducts a competition between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett this offseason.

"I know what both those guys do in the building; I take a lot of pride in both those guys," O'Brien said, the intensity in his voice rising. "I know both those guys very well. I read, I understand what’s written out there. Sometimes it pisses me off to be honest with you.

"These are two guys that are good quarterbacks that have played in this league, they work very hard. They’re out here busting their ass every day to get better and I think the city of Houston should be proud of both of them. And I think the media should understand these guys can play. They gotta go out there and do it. Look, if they don’t go out there and do it they don’t do it but I have a lot of faith in those guys. One guy will start, one guy will be the backup, and I’m looking forward to continuing to coach them. I think they’re two good quarterbacks and I like both of them."