Texans coach Lovie Smith says QB Jeff Driskel ‘has given us a spark’

Houston Texans coach Lovie Smith likes the way backup quarterback Jeff Driskel has found ways to help the offense on the ground.

The Houston Texans aren’t afraid of what Jeff Driskel does best.

The former San Francisco 49ers sixth-round pick has been more of a running quarterback throughout his career, and the Texans have found a way to utilize that skillset in offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton’s scheme.

Through two games, Driskel has taken five offensive snaps and carried the ball twice for 15 yards. The 6-4, 235-pounder, who played a little at tight end last year for Houston, has become a decent short-yardage quarterback for Houston through the first two games of the season.

“I think every time he’s gotten in the game, preseason, the two regular season games, limited amount of action,” coach Lovie Smith told reporters Monday. “He’s given us a spark; exactly why we inserted him into the game is what we’ve gotten from him. So, like what he’s done in that sense.”

The Texans ground game has yet to reach the 100-yard mark. Houston was also 2-13 on third downs against the Broncos. If the Texans can find a way to have Driskel provide more sparks for the offense, it should help their conversion woes.

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