Watson sees some of himself in Cowboys’ Prescott
When the Texans drafted
Deshaun Watson in the first round a year ago, he hoped to emulate the immediate impact that Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Dak Prescott made as a rookie. Watson was an instant hit as a rookie before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament.
Prescott won an NFC East division title two years ago as the replacement for veteran passer Tony Romo.
The two friends and competitors will take center stage Sunday night at NRG Stadium.
“It’s cool,” Watson said. “Dak is a friend of mine. We’re boys. We talk whenever we see each other. We want the best for each other and he’s a guy that I can watch and try to improve my game because we have similar things we do.
“We both can run, throw from the pocket and do some good things, have great leadership of the team. He’s a guy that, of course he’s one of the quarterbacks I look at as my time as I’m growing in this league.”
Watson has 1,246 passing yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions with a 93.7 passer rating. He has rushed for 161 yards and one score.
“I’m comfortable with my game,” Watson said. “I’m always trying to strive to get better, really just craft my game with the details, reading coverages, making the right reads, making the right throws, my accuracy. As far as feeling confident when I step on the field and being able to produce at a high level, I’m very cool with that.”
Martin brothers ready for reunion
The friendly sibling rivalry between Texans center Nick
Martin and Cowboys Pro Bowl offensive guard Zack Martin will be on display Sunday.
Zack is one of the top guards in the game and signed a six-year, $84 million deal that included $40 million guaranteed this year.
Nick is a former second-round draft pick from Notre Dame who’s establishing himself as one of the better young centers since recovering from a pair of ankle surgeries.
“It’s fun,” Nick said. “We’ve got a lot of family coming down. Playing against your brother in the NFL, it’s kind of a special thing.”
The two brothers were teammates in high school in Indianapolis and at Notre Dame.
“I’ve learned a lot from him off the field, leadership qualities, film study,” Nick said. “We’ll definitely talk this week, but we don’t usually talk about the game.”
DE Lawrence tall order for line
Blending speed, power and a relentless style, Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the NFL.
The 6-3, 265-pounder from Boise State leads the NFL with 5½ sacks and has recorded 29 career sacks four games into his fifth NFL season.
The Texans have allowed 17 sacks and 43 quarterback hits and will have their hands full blocking Lawrence.
“Great length, athleticism,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He plays very hard, plays hard
RB Miller limited; Colvin sidelined
Texans running back Lamar
Miller was limited in practice Wednesday after getting banged up and not finishing an overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Miller rode a stationary bike during the portion of practice open to reporters.
If Miller can’t go or is limited Sunday night against the Cowboys, he would be replaced in the lineup by backup Alfred Blue. Starting cornerback Aaron
Colvin is expected to miss at least six weeks due to an ankle injury, according to a source not authorized to speak publicly.