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In eight games last season, new Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler put together a pedestrian stat line: 10 TDs, six interceptions and a below-average Total QBR of 48.8. And the film meshed with those numbers. It was OK, even underwhelming at times, as Osweiler managed the system under Denver Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, with the NFL's best defense taking the pressure off the quarterback. Quick throws, boot action and limited shots over the top. However, since the Texans are restocking their offensive talent and adding more speed to complement the smooth skill set of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, is Osweiler in a position to produce better numbers with Texans coach Bill O'Brien? Let's discuss how the Texans can accelerate the development of Osweiler after giving him $37 million guaranteed after just seven NFL starts.
Osweiler's résuméOsweiler's tape from the 2015 season doesn't jump off the screen. Sure, there are some big-time throws when Osweiler holds the free safety and delivers a strike to target the seam, post or deep crosser (here's one example). And his footwork/pocket management is better than I expected. For a big man (6-foot-8, 240 pounds), Osweiler is pretty well-groomed in the pocket with his ability to slide, climb or throw the shoulder forward versus edge pressure. Plus, he can get to the edge of the pocket on boot schemes. He's athletic. But Osweiler is not a true deep-ball quarterback. In 2015, on passes thrown 20 or more yards downfield, he ranked 30th in completion rate (25 percent) and 31st in Total QBR (35.7). Based on the tape, he lacks accuracy and deep-ball velocity on throws over the top of the defense. Instead, his production -- and his fit under O'Brien -- will come in the short-to-intermediate game.
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