Tom Savage was drafted by the Texans as a “project QB” for Bill O’Brien to work with and potentially mold into a starting QB. In his pre-draft scouting report Savage was noted as having a strong arm with a very good deep ball, the knowledge of how to run a pro-style offense, and the willingness to stay in the pocket and deliver a throw. His big flaws were his pocket awareness, advancing through his progressions, and his somewhat inconsistent accuracy in the short and mid range game. We were able to get an unexpected glimpse into Savage’s development when he was suddenly thrust into the starting role in the second quarter against Indianapolis in Week 15. Let’s see what skills, if any, Savage has improved in his time with the Texans.

Stats

10/19, 127 yards, 6.68 YPA, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 2 fumbles, 1 Sack for 5 yards, 1 rush for -5 yards

Tom Savage enters the game for the injured Ryan Fitzpatrick with 13:20 left in the 2nd Quarter and the score tied at 7.

Play 1

Situation: 3rd and 4 at HST 42

Description: Q2 – (13:06) (Shotgun) T.Savage pass short left for D.Hopkins to IND 49 for 9 yards (J.Freeman; D.Toler)

http://i.imgur.com/Gand41G.png

Hopkins is running a 10 yard in route on this play. Shaun Phillips (highlighted on the line) times the snap to near perfection and just beats Derek Newton around the edge. Savage feels the pressure coming from his right, moves to his left, makes a nice move to avoid the arm tackle, and then fires the pass to where only Hopkins can make the catch.

http://i.imgur.com/Ihj3iWa.png

The inside linebacker breaks out of his zone to go after Savage leaving a wide open space in the middle of the field. Savage easily finds Hopkins and hits his mark for the completion.

Play 2

Situation: 2nd and 15 at HST 46

Description: Q2 – (11:45) (Shotgun) T.Savage pass incomplete short left D.Hopkins.

Savage sends Hopkins in motion for the screen, but his throw is too far off the mark and Hopkins isn’t able to bring it in.

Play 3

Situation: 2nd and 9 at HST 24

Description: Q2 – (5:29) (Shotgun) T.Savage pass incomplete short left to D.Hopkins.

Savage makes a good drop back and throw on this play. He aims for the sideline to keep the ball away from the corner so that Hopkins can make the catch, but he just misses his target and it sails wide.

Play 4

Situation: 3rd and 9 at HST 24

Description: Q2 – (5:27) (Shotgun) T.Savage sacked at HST 19 for -5 yards (R.Jean-Francois)

No one picks up the blitzing linebacker on this play (though Brandon Brooks attempted to) and Savage is hit before any of his receivers can get open.

Article continues on next page.