A game changer for the offense
Rookie quarterback Watson’s dual-threat talents add another dimension to attack
Deshaun Watson took the snap, accelerating to his left to get the Titans’ defense to react to him before smoothly pitching the football to running back Lamar Miller for a perfectly executed option touchdown run.
It was reminiscent of a traditional option play run predominantly at the high school and collegiate levels. It was also a snapshot of the myriad of creative possibilities, including the read option, that exist with Watson now under center for the Texans’ offense.
The athleticism of the Texans’ dual-threat rookie quarterback is changing the strategy of the offense as coach Bill O’Brien and Watson keep collaborating on incorporating play-calling that accentuates his strengths. Watson repeatedly froze the Titans’ defense during a 57-14 win Sunday with his deceptive play-action fakes, convincing veteran players they had to respect the running game.
Whether it’s muscling in spirals to his receivers or taking off on a scramble, Watson’s presence is changing how the Texans orchestrate their offense.
Read option emerging
The read option is something Watson excelled at running as a consensus All-American and national championship game winner at Clemson. Now, it’s emerging as a vital part of the Texans’ offense and paid major dividends during a blowout victory as Watson accounted for five touchdowns on four scoring throws and one run.
The Texans want to keep their offense evolving each week to prevent defenses from adapting to Watson.
“He’s a fun guy to coach,” O’Brien said. “He knows how to operate within that realm of what we’re doing. In fact, we’ve learned a lot from him about it, to be honest with you. He’s very smart. Somebody, whether it’s next week against Kansas City, somebody’s going to give us something different.
“We just have to kind of do the best we can to not stay the same. We have to keep trying to change it up, be creative and make sure that we’re doing a good job for him schematically.”
Watson showed off many facets of his diverse game against the Titans as the Texans set a franchise record for points and piled up 33 first downs and 445 yards of total offense. He completed 25 of 34 passes for 283 yards, four scores and one interception for a 125.0 passer rating. He was only sacked once.
“They better get somebody out there that can contain him. That’s all I can tell you,” defensive end Jadeveon Clowney said. “Because he can run and he can throw.”
In just his third NFL start, the former Heisman Trophy finalist became the first rookie quarterback to pass for four touchdowns and run for one since former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton back in 1961. Plus, Watson tied an NFL record for the most touchdowns in a game by a rookie quarterback.
“Just grown with my confidence,” Watson said. “Being able to operate and run this offense, making sure we’re in the right plays and just bringing the energy and leadership to this team. I have a long way to go, and it’s still early in my career, and just hope to build on it.”
Part of that growth involves marrying option concepts with traditional pro-style techniques. It also includes O’Brien’s listening to Watson’s ideas and their working together to build effective game plans.
“It’s just an open mind on the offense,” Watson said. “Coach O’B does a great job of making sure that everyone is buying in. He’s not one of those guys who’s going to go by his rules only. He makes sure that he spreads the wealth.”
Watson did a nice job of utilizing all of his weapons, including wide receiver Will Fuller, who was playing his first game since suffering a broken collarbone.
Having the fastest player on the Texans’ roster back on the field created separation behind the Titans’ defensive backs for a pair of touchdown catches. It also created openings for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to catch a season-high 10 passes for 107 yards and one touchdown.
“You can’t just key in on me,” Hopkins said. “You have to obviously watch Will down the field every play because he has the speed that you can’t coach.”
Watson displayed timing, accuracy and arm strength against the Titans.
He was pinpoint on an 8-yard touchdown pass to Hopkins over the middle and on 16-yard and 10-yard scoring throws to Fuller in the corner of the end zone. He also threw an 8-yard strike to Miller, who rushed for 75 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries and caught four passes for 56 yards and a TD.
“Just seeing your quarterback have that swagger and that demeanor to want to win and want to keep the ball going down the field, that gets everybody going,” Miller said. “I know it makes me want to play even harder to get the win.”
Praise from O’Brien
O’Brien praised Watson for making great suggestions and for his intelligence and humble personality. O’Brien took the blame for the interception, saying, “I got a little greedy there at the end (of the first half ).”
Just four games into his NFL career, Watson has completed 64.9 percent of his throws for 811 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions for a 91.7 passer rating. He also has rushed for 148 yards and two scores.
“He really can throw the football. He’s a very accurate passer,” O’Brien said. “He’s got big hands. He can really sling it, and he’s a very smart runner.
“Running is not all about speed. It’s about instincts and understanding how plays are being blocked and understanding the defense that you’re seeing to kind of weave your way through.”