Seeking forgiveness
Watson apologizes to Clemson fans for his part in team’s slow start
CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson apologized to Tigers fans for his “negative energy” he thinks has contributed to the team’s sluggish start on offense.
Watson said he spoke with quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter on Sunday night and head coach Dabo Swinney on Monday morning about refocusing his attitude to more of the fun-loving, care-free vibe he brought to the Tigers in his freshman and sophomore seasons.
“It’s a blessing, it’s a privilege to be in this position,” Watson said. “It just kind of got away from me for a little bit with all the attention that I’ve gotten. So I’ve just got to find myself and be back.”
All likely will be forgiven by Clemson fans if Watson and the Tigers quickly return to their explosive 2015 form.
But so far, No. 5 Clemson has been an offensive mishmash of overthrown balls, dropped passes and line breakdowns in too-close-for-comfort wins against Auburn (19-13) in the season opener and Troy (3024) on Saturday — a far cry from the “super offense ” they were expected to have this season.
The Tigers (2-0) play FCS opponent South Carolina State this week, a team they’ve outscored 179-20 in three all-time meetings.
For Watson, 21-1 as Clemson’s starter, the next game will be a mix of fun and execution.
“We’ve got to get back to basics and playing Clemson football,” he said.
Watson acknowledged the crush of media attention last season as Clemson rose to No. 1 disrupted his routine and, at times, his laid-back nature. When things intensified this offseason, Watson wore a more sullen face to interviews, his answers to questions becoming clipped and repetitive. He apologized for that, too. “It can easily be on the flip side,” said Watson, the possible No. 1 pick in next year’s NFL draft. “No one wanting to talk to me.”
Watson was far from alone in offensive miscues against Troy. Co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott counted eight drops from Tigers receivers. Deon Cain, Hunter Renfrow and Trevion Thompson all missed balls that should have in Scott’s opinion been touchdowns.
There also was receiver Ray-Ray McCloud’s massive punt-return flub, flipping the ball at the 1-yard line before crossing into the end zone to negate what would’ve been a 75-yard score.
Scott said if Clemson’s receivers make the plays they should, the Tigers’ experienced offense will look more like the juggernaut many expected from the outset of the season with Watson among the Heisman Trophy front-runners.
“The first two games, we’ve had a season’s worth of (bad) experiences that we’ll learn from,” Scott said.
Watson, at times, expects too much of himself.
“Their bar is set very high,” Scott said. “And when you’re not reaching that bar, you’re very disappointed.”
Watson’s numbers are solid, just not spectacular. He has thrown for 540 yards, hitting 52.9 percent of his passes, with four touchdowns and three interceptions. A 1,000-yard rusher last season, Watson’s run for 76 yards through two games and has not yet broken the big one that made Clemson’s attack so effective in 2015.
His first of three TD passes against Troy set a Clemson school record with a touchdown throw in 18 straight games.
Watson, who’s had shoulder, finger and knee injuries at Clemson, said physically he’s fine.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Watson felt the negative energy in the Troy game, a restless crowd of almost 80,000 growing more frustrated each time Clemson left the field short of points.
“That starts with me,” he said, thus his “I’m sorry” to fans and pledge to improve.
Watson thinks he’ll bring a positive attitude to the field this week and continue to work to bring the Tigers back to the top.
“We’ll turn that thing around,” he said, “and go back to work and start playing Clemson football.”