Texans bench quarterback Brian Hoyer for Ryan Mallett

Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett replaced Brian Hoyer under center and threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins on his first series.

Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett replaced Brian Hoyer under center during Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs after Hoyer struggled in his Houston debut. 

Hoyer, who signed with the Texans after two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, completed 18 of 34 passes for 236 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The touchdown came on a four-yard fade pattern to Hopkins in the first quarter.

Mallett took over for Hoyer with just over six minutes left in the game and the Texans trailing 27–9. He completed five of his six pass attempts on the drive, culminating in an eight-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins. He also found Hopkins for the two-point conversion. 

Hoyer on Ryan Mallett: "I'm all about the team. For him to move the ball and score a touchdown, that was great. I'll be ready either way."

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 13, 2015

After Hoyer’s touchdown drive, eight of the nine series he ran ended in a punt or a turnover. The ninth resulted in a field goal. 

Mallett ended the game with 98 passing yards and completed eight of 13 passes. 

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