HOUSTON — Head coach David Culley officially announced Tyrod Taylor as the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans ahead of Sunday’s season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium.
Week 1 of the 2020 season marked the last time Taylor started under center for an NFL franchise. He led the Los Angeles Chargers to a 16-13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, where he threw for 208 yards and completed 16 out of his 30 pass attempts.
A week later, Taylor lost his starting job to then-rookie quarterback Justin Herbert due to a punctured lung.
Entering his 11th year in the league and fifth NFL team, Taylor said he is motivated more than ever after having his previous season robbed due to the recklessness of the Chargers’ team doctors. And according to Culley, he has seen a difference in Taylor since the start of training camp — beginning with his leadership.
“I have seen him be a little more vocal,” Culley said. “He has gone through some things over the last two years, and I think those experiences have helped him to lead our football team.”
Culley served as Taylor’s quarterback coach during his final season with the Buffalo Bills. Although touted as a team leader throughout his career, Culley said Taylor wasn’t as vocal in Buffalo. He described Taylor’s leadership style as one whose action speaks louder than words. Now in Houston, Culley says Taylor’s voice has been a significant positive for the team.
Taylor made his unofficial debut during the Texans’ three exhibition games. He led Houston to a 2-1 preseason record while recording 81 yards and connecting on 66 percent of his passes.
“Working with Tyrod has been fantastic,” Chris Conley said during training camp in August. “I had an opportunity to work with him in the offseason and to get to know him a little bit. Tyrod is all about consistency and getting his work in every day. It’s rubbing off on the offense. And we know we have to come out and put together some consistency.”
Taylor will be the first quarterback not named Deshaun Watson to start for the Texans’ season opener since Tom Savage in 2017.