The Houston Texans were counting on a rookie first-rounder from Clemson to lead them against the New England Patriots on Sept. 24, 2017.
If the gunslinger could beat Alabama in the College Football Playoff national championship game, surely this Deshaun Watson could beat the Patriots in their own building.
A victory did not manifest as the Patriots prevailed 36-33 over Houston. But Watson’s 22-of-33 for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions at Gillette Stadium as a rookie gave Texans fans confidence that quarterback may finally be solidified.
33 starts later, there is no question Watson is the man.
“Deshaun’s come a long way,” coach Bill O’Brien told reporters Wednesday. “Anybody that’s as talented as Deshaun, in combination with the work ethic — he’s just got great work ethic.”
The Texans had a mini-bye as they defeated the Indianapolis Colts 20-17 on Thursday Night Football to start Week 12. Even O’Brien told the players they had the weekend off and he would see them Monday.
Not so with Watson, who spent his weekend studying the Patriots and the early morning hours of Wednesday working with offensive coordinator Tim Kelly and also O’Brien.
“The guy puts in a ton of work,” O’Brien said. “He’s really passionate about the team, he’s passionate about winning, and I think any time you have that plus you have the incredible talent that he has, you’re going to get better. There’s just no choice. I mean, you’re just going to get better.”
In Week 1 of 2018, Watson’s first game back since tearing his ACL on Nov. 2, 2017, the young signal caller did not have as promising of a day as he completed 17 passes on 34 attempts for 176 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Still, that was over a season and a half ago. The growth in that span has been measurable.
“I think he knows a lot more about the league and defenses and our offense and our personnel and the personnel he’s going up against,” said O’Brien. “So, I think he’s done a great job.”
The Patriots and Texans square off on Sunday Night Football at 7:20 p.m. CT from NRG Stadium.