TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after throwing a 2-yard game-winning touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game 35-31 at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Welcome to the NFL, Deshaun Watson. The rookie quarterback didn’t take long to get his highlight reel started. In just his second game and his first start, Watson scrambled for a 49-yard touchdown run which would prove to be the difference in a 13-9 Houston Texans victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football. The game was tied 3-3 at the time of the touchdown run, which featured Watson going from the middle of the field and then to the right, darting through defenders and even stuffing Bengals linebacker Carl Lawson with a powerful stiff arm.
The game was a defensive struggle throughout, and Watson’s passing numbers were pedestrian, completing 15 of 24 passes for 125 yards without a touchdown. He was sacked three times, losing 27 yards in the process. Considering the circumstances, though, Watson did almost all anyone could expect of a rookie quarterback. He played one half in week one after Texans coach Bill O’Brien benched starter Tom Savage, who failed to impress. A Thursday night game didn’t leave much time for Watson to get reps with the first-team offense, and the short turnaround time often leads to tepid offensive performances, anyway.
Watson also ended up setting the Texans’ franchise record when it comes to quarterback rushing yards in one game, as he carried the ball five times and picked up 67 yards. The Texans have only been around since 2002 and haven’t had any star quarterbacks or quarterbacks who were known for their rushing ability, but still, Watson got his name in the record books.
For the Texans, the ideal scenario would be to see Watson develop into the franchise quarterback they have never had before. It’s impossible to tell that after one game, but there are some positive signs based on Watson’s performance and what other players are saying.
Although Watson didn’t produce big passing yards, he also didn’t get discouraged despite a few instances where his receivers failed to make plays and an offensive line that often let considerable pressure through. His teammates have praised his leadership skills and his ability to make plays when necessary. And most importantly, he delivered a win on the road.
He’ll have a chance to do that again next week, as the Texans travel to New England to take on the Patriots. A win would put them above .500.
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