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Bob Levey/Associated Press

Tom Savage vs. Deshaun Watson

The Houston Texans placed themselves in a difficult position. Does the team attempt to win in the short term or build toward the future? These two approaches aren't mutually exclusive. The team can achieve both depending on the decision it makes in regards to its starting quarterback.

First, the franchise had to crawl out of the quagmire it created with Brock Osweiler's acquisition. The team appeared to be stuck with the $72 million quarterback. However, Houston found a trade partner in the Cleveland Browns to take Osweiler (and next year's second-round pick) off their hands.

After moving Osweiler, the Texans reconnected with the Browns during the NFL draft. Houston traded up from the 25th overall pick to the 12th selection for the opportunity to acquire Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Despite making these drastic moves to completely renovate the team's quarterback room, a holdover could enter the season as the Texans' starter.

Head coach Bill O'Brien provided Savage, who has spent the last three seasons in his system, with the benefit of the doubt. With the veteran receiving first-team reps during OTAs and minicamp, he built a rapport with his receivers.

"I like his leadership," DeAndre Hopkins said last month, per ESPN.com's Sarah Barshop. "... Now that he's in that role, it's no surprise to anybody on this field that he deserves that role. He has earned it, not just from playing, but from the chemistry he has built in the locker room with everybody."

"Earned it" may be a bit much. Savage has started two games in his career with zero touchdown tosses. While he may serve as a bridge, the Texans made the bold move to acquire Watson for a reason. The reason is Savage shouldn't be viewed as a starting quarterback.



Watson needs time to acclimate to the professional ranks, but he was a special talent at the collegiate level. His learning curve may be shorter than expected, too.

"The one thing that stood out to me is, really, his work ethic and how dedicated he is to doing it," quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan said, per Barshop. "... His approach to it, how serious he is about it and his professional demeanor for a young guy has been impressive for me."

The Texans may take a slight step back with Watson as their starter, but he's the future of the franchise. He may not even be much of a step back in the short term when Savage is the alternative.

Winner: Watson