Who Will the Texans turn to at Quarterback Now?

Two weeks ago, I wrote about the Houston's Texans bout with the injury bug when starting quarterback Matt Schaub was injured (http://fireawayblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/houston-do-we-have-problem.html). Now, the next man in line, Matt Leinart, is likely done for the season as well. T.J. Yates came in and managed the game in last week's win. But is he the answer? This is a Super Bowl caliber team. They have one of the best rushing attacks in the league, a dynamic wide receiver, and one of the toughest defenses in the league. I will examine the Texans options at quarterback and will tell them who I think gives them the best chance in the playoffs.

T.J. Yates - Age: 24 - Current Texans Starter

As I mentioned above, Yates came in against the Jaguars and manged the game well in a win. Yates was drafted in the fifth round out of UNC in last year's draft. He was drafted because he ran a similar offense with the Tar Heels. He is familiar with the Texans' system, but he is a rookie. The NFL is whole different level from ACC football, especially when it comes to the playoffs.

Kellen Clemens - Age: 28 - Texans Current Backup

Clemens was signed last week following Schaub's injury. He was signed because he was in training camp with the Washington Redskins to start the season. Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan was Texans head coach Gary Kubiak's mentor, and former Texans assistant coach Kyle Shanahan now holds the same position there. Therefore, Clemens is familiar with the type of offense that Kubiak runs and should be able to pick it up quickly. The question becomes whether or not he is a good enough quarterback to win playoff games.

Brett Favre - Age: 42 - Free Agent

Favre is the name all over the media right now. While he might be the best quarterback out there, reports say he hasn't worked out in at least a month. In response to the Texans' interest, general manager Rick Smith stated that "I don't want to bring the circus (Favre) to town." The media will be pressuring Smith to the make the move. Would Favre be able to get in shape and lead the franchise to a Super Bowl win? I'm not sure. Smith has to consider that question himself.

Jeff Garcia - Age: 41 - Free Agent

Garcia is a veteran with good starting experience. He has shown the capability to run a bootleg offense effectively, which is similar to what the Texans run. Garcia has some playoff experience as well. He could be a good fit in the Texans offense.

Brodie Croyle - Age: 28 - Free Agent

The former Kansas City Chief quarterback struggled in five season with the team. Croyle played in only 18 games. In those games, he threw only eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. He might seem like a long shot, but he is a younger free agent option with some experience.

Trent Edwards - Age: 28 - Free Agent

Edwards was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 2007 NFL Draft. He started the majority of the games his first three seasons, but had only mediocre success. The past two seasons he has been limited to a backup role with the Bills and Jaguars. Edwards is a younger quarterback option and has quite a bit of starting experience.

What should the Texans do? First, I think they need to keep Yates as the starter at least for now. He managed the game well last week, but should have a tougher task this week against the Atlanta Falcons. Second, I think they need to prepare Clemens as if he was the starter. He needs to learn the offense as quickly as possible in case he is needed. Clemens could definitely succeed in this offense, but I am not sure if he is the best option in the playoffs. Third, they need to evaluate who the best free agent is. I agree with GM Rick Smith about not bringing in Favre. The team is playing the best football in franchise history, don't do anything to mess that up. Croyle and Edwards might be young, experienced options, but they both have proved that they aren't good enough quarterbacks to be relied on to win games, let alone playoff games. That leaves Jeff Garcia. Garcia has starting experience in a similar offense when he played in San Francisco. He has won playoff games with two different franchises. In my opinion, he is the best option for the Texans to win games in the playoffs.

If it were my call, I would go with Yates and Clemens for now. I would sign Garcia and let him learn the offense. Once he and the rest offense feels comfortable (maybe around Week 14), I would hand the reigns over to him. This team is capable of a Super Bowl run. But the question remains: who will be their quarterback?