Why T.J. Yates' Magic Ride Will End in the NFL Postseason

There have been any number of surprises in regards to rookie quarterbacks in the National Football League in 2011, from the early success of Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals, to the gaudy stats of Carolina Panthers signal-caller Cam Newton. But none come as much of a shock as the play of T.J. Yates, who was forced into action for the Houston Texans after both starting quarterback Matt Schaub and backup Matt Leinart were lost for the season due to injuries.

Not only has the fifth-round pick not embarrassed himself, but the first North Carolina quarterback to ever start an NFL game has played remarkably well, leading the Texans to wins in all three games in which he's played. Yates' first career 300-yard passing game Sunday helped pave the way for the Houston Texans to win the AFC South and secure their first postseason berth in franchise history.

The Texans (and Yates) should absolutely take pride in that accomplishment, but even with a strong running game featuring stud running back Arian Foster and a stout defense led by linebacker Brian Cushing, the time will likely come in the playoffs where the Texans will need Yates to win a game against an elite team with his arm, and at that point Cinderella is probably going to turn back into a pumpkin.

This isn't a knock on Yates, but the fact is that rookie quarterbacks almost invariably make rookie mistakes, and in a win-or-go-home scenario against a formidable defense such as those possessed by AFC contenders in Baltimore and Pittsburgh, one bad throw could be all it takes to send the Texans packing.

Given all the adversity and injuries they have faced this season, the Houston Texans have had a very successful 2011 campaign, but unfortunately for the Texans and their fans, it's highly unlikely that T.J. Yates can lead Houston to an appearance in the Super Bowl.