CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 16, 2014 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

HOUSTON (CBS Houston) – After Ryan Mallett’s successful debut Sunday, Bill O’Brien knew the question was coming: “Have you wondered why you didn’t make the change [at quarterback] sooner?”

That question came right away at his press conference today.

“We always try to make decisions that are best for the team,” said O’Brien. “As we went through the first half of the season, we tried to evaluate game to game and week to week each guy’s performance and the team’s perfomance and the unit’s performance. And we did what we did. And we felt like those were the best decisions for the team.”

The Texans’ 23-7 victory over the Browns puts Houston at 5-5. And with the Patriots pulverizing the Colts 42-20 on Sunday night, O’Brien’s team is just a game out of first place in the AFC South.

“You’re in the 11th game of the season and you’re still there,” said O’Brien. “There’s a lot to play for. That’s big. And that’s what I explained to this team this morning. They know that. They understand that.”

Victory number 5 was largely won by the Texans’ offensive line. They kept Ryan Mallett upright all game, and paved the way for 213 rushing yards.

“They blocked well, they protected well,” said O’Brien. “There was good communication. Of course, there are certain plays that they all wish they could have back. Maybe a bad snap here, a holding call here, a poor landmark here, you know we’ve got to fix some of these things.”

Alfred Blue – subbing for the injured Arian Foster – was another benefactor of the line’s strong play. While O’Brien was impressed by the rookie, he expects his backup running back to keep improving.

“He had 36 carries and had 156 yards,” said O’Brien. “He had plenty of chances to get over 100 yards. I mean we gave him the ball 36 times. He did a good job, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t think he’s headed for Canton quite yet.”

Arian Foster couldn’t play. But after missing the Texans’ loss to the Eagles, first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney was back on the field Sunday.

“He’s got the ability to really disrupt plays,” said O’Brien. “So when he understands his role and what his job is…and he keeps getting a better understanding of those things, he’s going to be more disruptive as he goes.”

This coming Sunday, O’Brien and company will host Andy Dalton and his 6-3-1 Cincinnati Bengals, who are coming off an impressive 27-10 win over the Saints. O’Brien was very complimentary of the Katy High and TCU grad.

“All these young guys, these younger quarterbacks, they’ve all had their ups and downs,” said O’Brien. “It’s those guys that fight through it that end up being successful in the end. And Andy’s done that. He’s fought through some ups and downs. And he’s a good player. He presents a lot of challenges to our defense.”

Paul Gallant hosts the “B-Straw and Pauly G” show – Tuesdays 9-11 PM, Wednesdays 8-11 PM, and Fridays 8-11 PM – with Brien Straw. Get in contact with Paul on Twitter – @PaulyGSays – or on Facebook – Paul Gallant.

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