The Sports Xchange

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans’ quarterback competition remains an active one.

Texans coach Bill O’Brien didn’t declare a starter Sunday between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett after watching the video of a 14-10 loss to the Broncos on Saturday at NRG Stadium.

“One guy will start, when I’m ready to make a decision, I’ll let you know,” O’Brien said. “It’s a high-profile position.”

Neither quarterback distinguished himself particularly well against the Broncos, and both failed to lead a scoring drive. Hoyer completed 7 of 11 passes for 52 yards and a 74.8 passer rating in relief of Mallett, who got the start. Mallett completed 5 of 7 passes for just 23 yards and a 75.3 passer rating.

“At the quarterback position, there are some things we can clean up,” O’Brien said. “I try to make decisions that are best for the team with a timetable I’m comfortable with.”

O’Brien said he doesn’t know who will start against the Saints in New Orleans this week.

What determines the starter?

“Consistency, game management,” O’Brien said. “Who’s the most consistent.”

–The latest affirmation of Texans rookie cornerback Kevin Johnson’s pass coverage skills came during arguably his most difficult test yet in the NFL. The first-round draft pick effectively helped limit Broncos Pro Bowl wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, the recent recipient of a five-year, $70 million contract, to three receptions for 24 yards on six targets during a 14-10 Texans loss Saturday night at NRG Stadium.

During the first quarter, Johnson reacted quickly to a pass thrown by Peyton Manning where he dislodged the football by hitting Thomas and swiping at his hands to end the drive.

“Kevin Johnson, he’s instinctive,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said Sunday. “There are always things that he can improve upon, but he’s very competitive. He’s got a passion for the game.

“He’s a smart player. We play him in different spots. He’s able to pick up what we’re doing. We’ve been very happy with Kevin.”

Thomas caught 111 passes for 1,619 yards and 11 touchdowns last season and is one of the strongest and most explosive wide receivers in the league at 6-foot-3, 229 pounds. Johnson didn’t back down from the challenge, though, and finished the game with two tackles.

“It felt good, just to go out there and go against somebody who’s been very accomplished in the NFL,” Johnson said. “Getting that look, so I kind of know what it feels like in the future. It felt good to come out here and know I can play.”

Signed to a five-year, $10.049 million fully guaranteed contract that included a $5.568 million signing bonus, Johnson played 42 snaps, the most on the defense, against the Broncos. He played 29 snaps, the most of any Texans defensive player, against the 49ers.

“It was my first time playing against Peyton, just trying to go out there and stay focused and not let the game get too big,” Johnson said. “It was pretty cool looking in at the quarterback and it was Peyton Manning.”

–Midway through the preseason, veteran cornerback Johnathan Joseph has yet to play a single preseason snap. It’s not because of an injury. Joseph is being rested only for precautionary reasons. One year ago, Joseph didn’t play in any preseason games and the 31-year-old two-time Pro Bowl selection started every regular-season game and recorded 75 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.

“It really doesn’t matter to be honest,” Joseph said when asked if he minds not playing. “You practice with the guys all week and then you sit on the sideline and it gets a little frustrating. I’ve been playing in this league for a long time and I understand both sides of it, the positive and the negative.”