The Sports Xchange

HOUSTON – Although Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett struggled mightily with his accuracy during a blowout loss Sunday to the Atlanta Falcons, it won’t cost him his starting job.

At least not this week. Mallett is set to start a pivotal AFC South divisional game Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium.

“He’s our starting quarterback,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said Monday. “He knows he has to play better. He’s got to do a better job of throwing the ball more accurately, be more controlled in the pocket, don’t turn it over, get us into the right play. That’s who will start against the Indianapolis Colts.”

Mallett was replaced by backup Brian Hoyer during a 48-21 loss to the Falcons at the Georgia Dome after the Texans fell behind 42-0. Mallett completed 44.4 percent of his throws (12 of 27) for 150 yards and one interception for a 46.8 passer rating. For the season, Mallett has completed 51.8 percent of his throws for 720 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions with a 65.3 passer rating.

In relief of Mallett, Hoyer completed 17 of 30 passes for 232 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions for a 103.8 passer rating. Hoyer began the season as the starter following a training camp competition, but was benched in the fourth quarter of the season opener in favor of Mallett

“Brian did go in there and do some good things,” O’Brien said. “It was 42-0 at that time. It was a passing game. He did a good job. Being on a short week and things like that, I think it’s important for us to stick with Ryan right now. Ryan has to play better. Everybody’s got to coach better and we all have to play better. I believe Mallett understands that.”

REPORT CARD vs. Falcons

–PASSING OFFENSE: D. Ryan Mallett got nothing going, was inaccurate and throws too hard to his receivers and displays little touch. All the damage done by Brian Hoyer was accomplished after they fell behind 42-0 and he was playing against backups.

–RUSHING OFFENSE: F. Texans rushed for a season-low 54 yards on 17 carries as Arian Foster gained just 10 yards on eight carries.

–PASS DEFENSE: D. Texans allowed 256 passing yards. They contained Julio Jones, but had few answers for Leonard Hankerson.

–RUSH DEFENSE: F. They couldn’t stop all-purpose running back Devonta Freeman, who rushed for three touchdowns. There was a lack of gap integrity throughout the game, giving up 135 rushing yards on 35 carries with four touchdown runs.

–SPECIAL TEAMS: D. Nick Novak missed a 53-yard field goal. Shane Lechler had a 48.5-yard punting average. Falcons kickoff returner Eric Weems had a 29-yard kickoff average and averaged 14.5 yards per punt return.

–COACHING: F. The Texans had no intensity, no organization, looked completely discombobulated and were beaten to the punch by the Falcons. The Falcons appeared to be much better prepared and more motivated. The Texans have a lot of issues.