Texans bench their $72 million quarterback, Brock Osweiler, and the fans gave the backup a standing ovation

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December 19, 2016 1:45 PM

Tom Savage took over with roughly eight minutes left in the half, and the fans went nuts:

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The Houston Texans benched quarterback Brock Osweiler midway through the second quarter against the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday after he went 6-of-11 for 48 yards and two interceptions.

Osweiler, who spurned the Broncos in the offseason to sign a $72 million contract with the Texans, now has 16 interceptions this season to go with 14 touchdown passes. His interceptions against the Jags came on consecutive passes and led directly to 10 points for the opposing team.

Here's Osweiler's second interception, a terrible decision to force a pass deep in his own end of the field:

Osweiler has struggled mightily during the bulk of his first season in Houston. Still, the Texans have managed to take the lead in the AFC South at 7-6. It's unclear for now whether Osweiler will remain benched going forward (and potentially into the playoffs).

The Texans will pay Osweiler $21 million this season, including his $12 million signing bonus. His $16 million salary for next season is fully guaranteed.

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