Torn-apart Deshaun is born again
Keith Webster DESHAUN WATSON knows how to get up off the floor after a knockout punch.
And the Houston Texans’ quarterback aims to use that experience to carry his team into next month’s playoffs.
The 23-year-old from Georgia tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a non-contact injury during practice 13 months ago in his first season as a pro.
Having battled back to full fitness from what was a horrible injury, losing the first three games of this season was no big deal for the youngster who has now engineered eight consecutive wins – the longest streak in the league at the moment.
ACL injuries can seriously affect players’ mentality when they return, but Watson has put last year behind him.
Confidence
As he prepared to go for a ninth straight win tonight against Cleveland (Sky Sports Action, 5pm), Watson said: “Ever since the start of the year, I have had my confidence.
“I have felt fine and things have just been going our way the last eight weeks. I feel very comfortable. Just improving, trying to continue to build my craft and continue to stack these wins.”
While Watson goes in search of the points that will keep the winning run alive, Houston’s defence will have its work cut out trying to shut down his Cleveland counterpart, Baker Mayfield.
Diamond
The rookie quarterback is unlikely to turn the perennial losers around this season.
But he has shown enough promise in his first pro season to sugg suggest the Br Browns have u unearthed a diamond in the rough.
Houston d defender Ty Tyrann
Math Mathieu (left) is impressed with what he has seen, especially after last week when Mayfield ripped apart the Cincinnati Bengals for 258 yards and four touchdowns in a crushing 35-20 win that dented Cincinnati’s playoff chances.
Mathieu warned his Houston teammates: “When I watch him on tape, I don’t really see a rookie quarterback. I see a guy that gets the ball downfield.
“He’s more accurate than what I’ve heard people say he is. He’s a great talent.”