Forget Michael Jordan. Deshaun Watson has already graduated into being compared to NBA’s current legendary superstar.
According to Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink’ Martindale, who is drawing up schemes to defend the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback as his side faces the Houston Texans in Week 2 at NRG Stadium, Watson’s skill as a field general is comparable to that of the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James.
“Oh, we’re not overconfident — trust me,” Martindale said. “He gets better every year. He’s a Pro Bowl quarterback for a reason; it was just one of those days last year.”
Martindale was describing the Week 11 encounter from 2019 when the Ravens defense limited Watson to 169 passing yards, picked him off, and sacked him six times. Baltimore blew out the Texans 41-7 at M&T Bank Stadium and summarily ended Houston’s chances of contending for a first-round bye.
The Ravens’ defensive coordinator still has great respect for Watson, even though his defense made him turn in a poor performance.
Said Martindale: “He, to me, is like a LeBron James-type player in the NFL instead of the NBA. He’s a general, he’s a point guard out there and we all respect his game.”
The Texans will need Watson to have a LeBron-like effort as Houston seeks to even their record 1-1 and avoid an 0-2 start for the first time since 2018.