Instant analysis: Texans QB Deshaun Watson’s legend grew against the Bills

Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson helped his legend grow against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC wild-card with a 22-19 overtime win.

Last year in Houston, Deshaun Watson’s postseason legend began as most do.

It was a paltry, ordinary showing where the protagonist was simply outmatched. The Texans sputtered their way to seven points and were thoroughly dominated by the AFC South rival Indianapolis Colts.

Watson threw for a pedestrian 246 yards with an interception and a touchdown. The former 2017 first-round pick failed to generate the postseason magic he’d become notorious for at Clemson.

On Saturday, against the Buffalo Bills, that narrative appeared to be solidifying.

The franchise signal caller for Houston looked overwhelmed, sacked seven times while frequently holding onto the ball far too long and failing to identify an open receiver.

The Texans were down 16-0 at one point in the third quarter with only 68 yards from their franchise quarterback. The game appeared to be en route to another January disappointment as the first connection between Watson and All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins was fumbled. It was another Bill O’Brien game plan that was simply over matched against a good wild-card team that would probably peter out the next week in the divisional playoffs.

However, this is where the story changed. Specifically, Watson changed the narrative, salvaging the Texans’ from the ‘post-season choker’ label they seemed all but destined for. No. 4 finished completing 80% of his passes, 20/25, for 247 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, Watson added 55 yards on the ground, 20 of which came on the Texans first score of the game when trailing by 16.

This was Watson at his absolute best on Saturday. The Texans seemingly cannot be counted out in any contest where he is available. In addition to some second half adjustments, Watson consistently extended plays, found the open man and ultimately did everything necessary to close the gap against a fundamentally-sound Buffalo Bills team.

Deandre Hopkins, with only one reception for five yards and a fumble, would explode for five catches and 85 yards. Running backs Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson ran inspired. The spark was lit and the Texans scored 19 unanswered. Everything was in their favor.

Following a rather questionable quarterback sneak on fourth-and-1 with under two minutes that allowed Buffalo an additional drive and to the tie the game, the game went to overtime.

NFL overtime is where legends are made.

Following a quick Texans’ three-and-out to open the extra period, the next team to score would win. In response to this magnitude, the young quarterback showed poise many fans have simply come to expect. Watson calmly led a 9-play 73-yard drive.

Specifically, it was on second-and-6 on the Buffalo 44, where it appeared all but certain Buffalo had secured a drive-killing sack, that Watson wrote his legend.

He slipped two would-be sacks, scrambled to the right, and flipped the ball to unlikely candidate Taiwan Jones. The play went for 34 yards and all but ensured a Texans’ victory on the next play. The Houston Houdini stamped his mark.

This was a performance that reminded Texans’ fans that despite any defensive deficiency, qualms with O’Brien or any other problem in Houston: With Watson, they can win. It’s possible the slow start afforded by Buffalo, however, may not be available against the likes of Kansas City or Baltimore.

Will O’Brien be able to assemble such a game plan? Who knows?

However, today Houston should celebrate. Watson showed everyone why the front office considers him the franchise.

On to the divisional round with more story left to be written.