“Big Mac Smash” — sounds more like a fast food menu item than it does Deshaun Watson’s favorite red zone play in the Houston Texans offense.
The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback joined Kurt Warner and Brian Baldinger on the season premier of NFL Network’s “Film Session” to talk about the 2019 season through tape breakdowns. Watson took to the dry erase board and drew up “Big Mac Smash” when asked to draw up his favorite play.
“I did a red zone play because I feel like, especially with young quarterbacks, that’s one area where it speeds up,” Watson said. “There’s so much you can do to try to influence the defense to get the ball in the end zone.”
According to Watson, the Texans ran the play during the AFC divisional playoff at the Kansas City Chiefs. Facing a second-and-goal from the 4-yard line, the Texans ran “Big Mac Smash” and scored a touchdown that put Houston ahead 21-0 late in the first quarter.
TOUCHDOWN HOUSTON!
Watson finds Darren Fells over the middle for the touchdown. #Texans 21 #Chiefs 0
Arrowhead is silent. #NFLPlayoffs #NFLDivisionalRound pic.twitter.com/PR013OGfKH
— 4th and Goal (@4thandGoalUSP) January 12, 2020
According to Watson, his read progression after the snap is tight end, which was Darren Fells, the receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, and then the running back flaring toward the flat.
When Watson saw the Chiefs’ inside linebackers split and Fells post up at the goal line, he knew it was the correct throw to make.
However, the play offers more options for Watson other than to find his 6-7, 270-pound tight end.
“There’s so much on the field,” Watson said. “Once you get in that red zone, it’s like it’s a chess match.”
The philosophy of the post-Hopkins Texans offense will be for Watson to make the right reads, not just overwhelm defenders with his uncanny athleticism.
The entire episode with Watson is debuted on NFL Game Pass on June 2, and is still part of the service’s complementary offer. NFL Network will air the episode on June 6.