QB makes Moon glow: ‘I think it’s amazing’

Former Oilers quarterback surprised by immediate success Texans rookie Watson has had this season

When Warren Moon learned Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson planned to wear his No. 1 Oilers jersey to the Cleveland game last Sunday at NRG Stadium, he was impressed and appreciative.

Moon, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who played 10 seasons (1984-93) with the Oilers, has become a mentor to Watson since they met in January.

“I thought it was a very respectful thing to do,” Moon said last week about Watson wearing his jersey. “He respects that I played the game, and he knows a little about the history of it.”

Moon, an analyst for Seattle’s broadcast network, will watch Watson in person when the Seahawks host the Texans on Oct. 29. They’ve kept in contact since Moon presented Watson with the College Quarterback of the Year Award nine months ago.

Moon has watched Watson’s incredible transition into the NFL from afar. Watson is tied for the league lead with 15 touchdown passes and has 17 overall.

“I think it’s amazing,” Moon said. “After five (starts), his rookie year has been as good as any rookie quarterback has ever played.”

A few days after general manager Rick Smith traded up in the first round to select Watson, Moon said he thought the Texans and Houston were the ideal team and city for the quarterback who led Clemson to victory over Alabama in the national championship game.

At the time, Moon said he believed Bill O’Brien would do a terrific job of coaching Watson and that fans in Houston would accept him and support him.

Earning respect on the field

Moon also said Watson has that elusive “it” factor coaches love to see in quarterbacks. He elaborated by saying Watson’s new teammates would gravitate to him, respect him and believe in him.

Most of all, Moon said back in early May, Watson’s teammates would develop so much confidence in the quarterback that he would make them play better.

But Moon had no idea Watson would so productive so early in his first season.

“Yeah, I’m surprised he’s been this successful this fast,” Moon said. “I thought he’d have success, but I didn’t think he’d be on the field this quick.

“Of all the young quarterbacks coming out, I thought he was going to the best situation because of the kind of team they were supposed to have. Obviously, Bill thought he was ready to go, so he put him out there, and Deshaun has gotten better every week.”

As Watson has made progress, his wide receivers, tight ends, running backs and offensive linemen have improved.

“It hasn’t been too much for him,” Moon said about Watson’s indoctrination into the league. “That’s what’s so impressive: Nothing seems to be too big for him. Nothing overwhelms him. I saw that when he was in college.

“I think you’re kind of born with it, but you prepare yourself for those moments. A lot of it has to do with his personality. He doesn’t get too high or low. He’s very even keel.”

Like Moon was when he was compiling numbers that led to enshrinement in Canton, Ohio.

“Deshaun’s got this little smile, this little smirk, that makes you know he’s got a lot of confidence, but he doesn’t want to come off as boastful because he’s not that way,” Moon said. “His smile is understated. But his teammates understand. They teammates respect that part about him.

“I told you (after the draft) he’d have instant respect when he first walked into the locker room. Then it became a matter of watching him in practice every day and seeing how he got better every week. That makes guys want to play for him. Then when he starts doing some big things in games, that really makes guys want to rally and win for him.”

Watson’s style of play, which includes the kind of mobility that allows him to make plays off schedule, is exciting. His energy can be contagious.

“He loves to play and has fun doing it,” Moon said. “He plays with a little emotion at times, which is great.

“You just know his teammates are having fun playing with him.” Learning from the best

Moon has offered Watson some advice based on his experience playing with the Oilers, Minnesota, Kansas City and Seattle.

“I gave him advice about things like hard work and taking care of himself physically,” Moon said. “I let him know I’m here if he ever needs me to be a sounding board or to run anything by me.

“When I talked with him during the summer, I told him he didn’t need to be in a hurry to do anything, that he needed to figure out what was going to be asked of him first and then make your plan off of that.”

Watson and Moon attended a Cam Newton charity event. Moon and Newton talked to him about being a rookie in the NFL.

“Cam and I talked to him about taking care of his body and trying to have a routine,” Moon said. “We told him when he developed that routine, he should stay on it throughout the season.

“I knew when they (Oilers) wanted me to throw so much in the run-and-shoot I had to get bigger and stronger to take the pounding. I got into lifting weights even more than I already did.

“Right now, Deshaun’s throwing the ball a lot for a young guy. The more times you throw, the more times you’re susceptible to being hit. And he runs some, too. That’s something he probably should think about in the offseason, to bulk up a little.”

Moon is eager to see Watson play in Seattle and to watch the remainder of his rookie season.

“They talk about that rookie wall,” Moon said. “I’m sure at some point, his body will wear down a little. If they go to the playoffs, he may play in 20 games or more.

“Like everyone else, I’ve been so impressed with what Deshaun’s doing. I didn’t know when he’d get on the field, but I thought once he did, he’d get better and better. And he has.”

Texans QB Deshaun Watson (above) honored Warren Moon by wearing his Oilers jersey number last Sunday. Eric Christian Smith / Associated Press