Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett didn’t seem too happy when he was beaten out by Brian Hoyer for the starting job. Mallett complained publicly that he thought he deserved the job, and he missed a practice shortly after he found out Hoyer was starting.
But Hoyer says he doesn’t blame Mallett for the way he reacted. Hoyer said on today’s PFT Live that he thinks Mallett is just a competitive guy who was upset to find out he’d be starting the season on the sideline.
“I would have been the same way,” Hoyer said. “It’s totally understandable, we’re all competitors.”
Mallett has also said he expects to play at some point this season -- which suggests that Mallett is expecting Hoyer either to get hurt or to play badly enough that he gets benched. But Hoyer said he isn’t bothered by that and wants Mallett to prepare as if he’s going to play.
“For him to have that mentality, that’s great for our team,” Hoyer said.
Hoyer is serving not only as the Texans’ starting quarterback, but as a veteran mentor to Mallett.