Tim Kelly doesn’t want to speak for his starting quarterback, but he thinks Deshaun Watson is excited.
The two-time Pro Bowler is entering his fourth season as the Houston Texans’ field general, and Kelly, who is in the midst of his second year as the offensive coordinator, is getting an extra responsibility in calling the plays. For the first time since offensive coordinator George Godsey in 2016, someone other than coach Bill O’Brien will be calling the plays.
Again, Kelly doesn’t want to speak for Watson, but he can see the mindset and approach, even if it’s in a virtual setting through video conferencing.
“With the communication that we’ve had these however many days throughout this virtual offseason, he’s come in with a great mindset, coming in, trying to get better at some areas and really take grasp of the offense,” Kelly told reporters on May 20. “He’s doing a great job as far as that’s concerned.”
The Texans’ 2020 offense will be different from anything Watson has ever played in, chiefly because of the departure of three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Watson will have to develop stronger chemistry with Will Fuller and Kenny Stills, in addition to forming cohesion with Randall Cobb and Brandin Cooks.
Even without the loss of Hopkins, who was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, Watson will be working with a new running back in David Johnson, who was a part of that trade. The former All-Pro running back brings an obvious rushing attack, but also pass-catching skills out of the backfield.
“It’s all things that are going to help us basically take the next step here as an offense,” Kelly said.
With more involvement and understanding of the Texans offense, Watson will be able to elevate his game to another level, which is what Houston will need if they are to retain their AFC South title they have possessed for the last two seasons.