Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos drops back to pass in the first half of their game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on August 22, 2015 in Houston, Texas. *** Local Caption *** Peyton Manning (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

HOUSTON (CBS HOUSTON) – Ryan Mallett started the Texans second preseason game against the Broncos, but he didn’t stick much longer than week one starter Brian Hoyer.

Through two series of work Mallett amassed 23 passing yards completing five of his seven passes. He played just two offensive series for the team, both ending in punts for the offense.

“When you’re playing the whole game it’s easy to bounce back and make bigger plays when they’re called,” he said.

Despite the short appearance, Mallett didn’t dislike his performance.

“It felt good. It felt normal. Wish I could’ve played longer.”

He mentioned he didn’t get to throw the ball deep but didn’t elaborate if that was by design or if he just didn’t get the opportunity.

Mallett gave way to Hoyer on the team’s third series of the evening. Hoyer attempted 11 passes completing seven on his way to 52 passing yards. He also took credit in the post game for one of the two sacks the Broncos recorded on him.

He wasn’t ready to critique his performance after the game.

“I’d have to go back and look,” Hoyer said. “Right now after a loss it feels pretty bad. You’re not really sure what was good what was bad.”

Hoyer went second this week, but he said his mentality and approach never really changed.

Tom Savage took care of the team’s entire second half. He tossed for 168 yards on 16 completions in 24 attempts. He led the team on their only scoring drive of the night, a 12 play drive that totaled 72 yards and ended in a field goal.

Savage was very critical of his performance. He took credit for the three sacks saying he needed to get rid of the ball faster. He also said the team’s lack of success early put the team in a tough position in later downs.

“This game’s not meant to be second and seventeen,” he said. “It puts [offensive coordinator George] Godsey in a hard spot calling plays. So we just got to get rid of the ball.”

As far as the quarterbacks competing to win the job, Bill O’Brien didn’t announce a timeline after the loss to the Broncos.

He also noted the race is neck and neck.

“I think we are looking at it all the way from OTAs through training camp through these preseason games. I do think it’s very even. And that says a lot about both guys.”

Making the decision isn’t on the top of O’Brien’s to-do list.

“What I’d like to do is make a decision that is best for the team. I’m not into the timing of it or anything.”

One thing is for sure, Brian Hoyer isn’t worrying about the team’s looming decision to name a starter, not only for the Saints game in a week but for the regular season.

“I’m not real sure about that,” he said when asked about where he stands in the race to start. “That’s up to coach. I think for me I try to come out here every day and be the best quarterback I can be for this team rather I’m starting or coming off the bench. Whatever it is.”

Mallett has no idea when the Texans will be announcing the starting quarterback, but he wants it to be him.

“I don’t know,” he said. “And obviously I do care because I want to play ball here, so we’ll see.”

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