The Houston Texans have a myriad of changes they must incorporate into their offense in order to be successful.
Throw in the COVID-19 pandemic, which greatly impacted the normal avenues of team cohesion, and there are questions as to whether or not the new Texans’ offense will be on point in Week 1 versus the Kansas City Chiefs.
Don’t count quarterback Deshaun Watson among that number. The two-time Pro Bowler is optimistic the offense can incorporate the promotion of offensive coordinator Tim Kelly to play-caller, running back David Johnson, and new receivers Randall Cobb and Brandin Cooks.
“I feel like by the time Kansas City rolls around, we’re going to be sharp,” Watson said. “We’re going to be detailed and we’re going to look very efficient.”
What Watson is counting on is the fact the Texans offense is comprised mostly of veterans. They do have newcomers in fourth-round tackle Charlie Heck, fifth-round receiver Isaiah Coulter, and undrafted free agents in Scottie Phillips, Tyler Simmons, and Dylan Stapleton. However, all of the front line starters for Houston and their depth consists of veterans.
“For us, that’s why we have a veteran team, a lot of guys have played a lot of football that can pick up an offense and know the game and know the schemes,” Watson said.
The Texans are still a virtual team in that 50% of their meetings are through video conferencing, even after the entire team has reported to NRG Stadium. Now that they can see more of each other on the practice field, Watson likes what he sees from his new teammates
Said Watson: “They’ve been looking very, very good since we’ve reported. Me and Tim have been on the same page, so that won’t be any different. It’s my job of being a leader and being the coach on the field to make sure that everyone else around us is doing the right things the way we want to do it and the way I want it to kind of happen on the field.”
The strategy of the Texans’ new offense is to surround Watson with as many quality skill positions as possible and allow him to make the best decision on where the football needs to go. Part of the great decision making involves being simpatico with his offensive coordinator.
“With me and Tim being on the same page and me communicating that to all of the new guys, it’s been good,” said Watson.
The defending AFC South champions are hopeful it will all be good in Kansas City on Sept. 10.
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