Prior to the Houston Texans trading three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for a couple draft picks and All-Pro running back David Johnson, quarterback Deshaun Watson had a positive outlook on the 2020 season.
That isn’t to say that he probably still wouldn’t have a positive outlook; rather, in looking back at an interview conducted before the trade, one has to wonder if his optimism is still at the same level.
On March 24, La Liga Santander, the premier men’s soccer league in Spain, released an interview with Watson around the time of the Real Madrid versus Barcelona matchup on March 1. This fits in line with Watson’s itinerary as he was in Western Europe at the time, and he states in the interview he looked forward to watching the tilt.
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) March 2, 2020
In the interview, Watson talks about the prospects of the 2020 offseason, and notes the positive outlook.
“This offseason looks very good,” Watson said. “Of course, we’re still in the offseason, getting ready and getting new players to come to the team and organization. But it’s definitely going to be an exciting 2020 football season.”
Watson also notes that his goal and the team’s goal is to, “get into the conference final and also get into the Super Bowl.”
Said Watson: “My goal is to win it all: to get a ring, to be the world champions, and we’re definitely close and have the pieces to do it, and now we have to go do it.”
🏈 The NFL season!
🏆 Personal goals!
⚽️ Favourite football player!🇺🇸 Watch the exclusive @deshaunwatson interview below! 👇#StayHome #LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/yNeAGZL573
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) March 25, 2020
One can only wonder how that statement holds up now that Hopkins is in the NFC West and Watson will have to elevate his chemistry with supporting role receivers such as Kenny Stills, Randall Cobb, and Will Fuller.
The only thing Watson can control is what is within his realm, and that isn’t front office and personnel decisions. All the 24-year-old can do is stick to his personal goals.
“My personal goals is to accomplish everything that I can,” said Watson. “Super Bowl, MVP, Super Bowl MVP, just be able to be the best player and the best Deshaun.”