Instant analysis: Deshaun Watson’s average play sufficient to help Texans clinch AFC South

Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson was average but good enough to lead the team to a 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and clinch the division.

The last time Deshaun Watson was at Raymond James Stadium, the Clemson Tigers won the 2017 College Football Championship, stunning Alabama 35-31. In that game, Watson was absolutely masterful. He threw for 420 yards and 3 touchdowns while running in an additional score against what many considered the best defense in the country. It was an excellent launching point for his draft stock, an up-and-down process that would eventually see him fall all the way to No. 12 overall for the Houston Texans.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, against Tampa Bay, Watson did not have a similar Christmastime, heart-warming game many Texans fans certainly would have desired. In an ugly 23-20 win over the Buccaneers, Houston’s young signal caller severely struggled while locking down the division. Watson finished 19 of 32, with a measly 183 yards and no scores. Additionally, Watson was sacked five times and threw an interception late in the second quarter that gave momentum back to a faltering Jameis Winston.

It wasn’t entirely an awful performance, with Watson gaining 37 yards on the ground and converting several must-have first downs. In particular, a huge gain to Deandre Carter to setup the game-winning field goal and a 19-yard scramble to setup the field goal before that stand out as the quarterback stepping when needed.

However, on the whole, this was a discouraging performance for Houston fans. He displayed poor accuracy and consistently held onto the ball far longer than was necessary. This game never should have been close with the defense forcing five turnovers. Many may point to Watson’s nagging ankle injury through the game as the primary reason for the performance. However, with the offense under-performing for three consecutive weeks, it may be time to point a finger at Watson.

The offense must become more consistent to win against the likes of Kansas City or Baltimore. With the playoffs suddenly locked down, this narrative is impossible to ignore. 229 offensive yards in a game where the defense provides ample offensive opportunities should be unacceptable to Texans fans.

The team will go as Watson goes and it’s certainly time for Watson to live up to his league-wide pedigree. Watson is a ‘wizard’ and capable of plays that many quarterbacks in the NFL can only dream of.  Despite these plays, if the offense can’t figure out how to more consistently move the chains and convert scoring opportunities, it may be all for naught.

Watson and the Texans will look for a bounce-back performance next Sunday, as they attempt to seal a second-consecutive 11-win season in a matchup against the Tennessee Titans.