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Well, that was a bit of a disappointment. Although Bill O'Brien made it clear he believes he knows who the Texans will start at QB on Sunday, the Houston Texans head coach declined to publicly disclose that information, telling the media that everyone would just have to wait and see who ran out for the Houston's first offensive series against the Panthers.
Bill O'Brien says no "big quarterback announcement today." Says have to wait until 1st offensive play gainst Carolina to find out who QB is.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 14, 2015
OB without hesitation answers "yes" on knowing who the starting qb is for Sunday.
— Jayson Braddock (@JaysonBraddock) September 14, 2015
A bit of gamesmanship? Trying to make Carolina prepare for both Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett? Probably. Or could it also be that O'Brien is trying to keep himself and/or Hoyer from having to deal with a firestorm of criticism in the days leading up to Sunday?
For what it's worth, John McClain has made it clear who he thinks it'll be, so place your bets accordingly.
I think O'Brien will start Brian Hoyer.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 14, 2015
I'll b stunned if Hoyer isn't starting. INT wasn't his fault. LG Jeff Adams let Hoyer get smashed multiple times. KC def different 4 Mallett
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 14, 2015
UPDATE (1:56 p.m. CDT on 09/17/15): Change of plans, I guess. Once word leaked, there was no point in trying to keep the charade going.
Texans vs Panthers coverage