Deshaun Watson was the starting quarterback at Clemson on Sept. 20, 2014, versus Florida State. Jameis Winston was serving a suspension.
They never met in the ACC, but the two first-round picks, who have immense respect for each other, will get a chance to meet in the NFL Saturday when the Houston Texans face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
“Regardless of who’s out there on the field, he’s going to go out there and ball. He’s going to play and he’s going to play hard,” Watson said of Winston Tuesday. “He’s going to take his chances. He’s going to make mistakes, but he’s going to turn those mistakes into positive plays on the next drive.”
Winston leads the NFL in passing yards (4,573) and is second in passing touchdowns (30). He’s also the most intercepted (24 picks) and third-most sacked (43) passer. Despite his mistakes and often negative plays, Watson sees the 25-year-old as one of the NFL’s great shot-callers.
“He’s a guy that’s going to lead and he’s going to be a lot of — he has a lot of confidence whenever he steps on the field that he’s going to make the play and he’s always going to make the play,” Watson said. “He’s definitely a great quarterback in my eyes.”
Meanwhile, Winston thinks Watson is going to delight spectators for a long-time.
“I’ve met him twice — really respect his game,” Winston told Buccaneers media on Tuesday. “I think he’s a phenomenal player. He has his own way. Plays with tremendous swag, can throw any pass on the field, and he’s a great leader. We’re going to all enjoy watching him for a very long time.”
Watson has 3,668 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions passing on the season. A dual-threat, he also has seven rushing touchdowns and 376 ground yards. On Tuesday, the NFL named him a Pro Bowler for the second time in his three year NFL career.
No matter the outcome on Saturday, respect will be in the air among the two young quarterbacks.