Watson shows why he was team’s top pick
In first NFL action, QB throws down gauntlet to challenge starter Savage
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson surveyed his surroundings as defenders gave chase, keeping his gaze locked to pick out his targets.
When Watson discovered there was a crowd surrounding his receivers, he made a quick, aggressive decision. He scrambled untouched into the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown during the third quarter of his NFL debut Wednesday night in a 27-17 preseason loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
Displaying uncommon poise for a young quarterback along with elusiveness and sound decisionmaking, the first-round pick from Clemson delivered impressive moments while adjusting to the jump in competition.
“This is professional football, this is the highest level of this sport,” Watson said. “It’s going to be faster, bigger guys, smarter guys. At the same time, I’m doing the same thing they’re doing: watching film and trying to play fast.”
Watson used his mobility to create passing lanes. He avoided pressure for the majority of the game, but was sacked three times and replaced by Brandon Weeden after being sacked on consecutive plays in the fourth quarter.
In relief of starting quarterback Tom Savage, Watson was 15 of 25 passing for 179 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions for an 81.9 passer rating. Positives from O’Brien
“He’s a smart player,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s an instinctive player. First game out there, I thought he did some good things. It’s a big jump from college to the NFL. I thought he handled it pretty well.
“Probably a couple things we could have done differently. He could have played a little bit better on certain plays, but overall I thought he handled himself pretty well for the first time out.”
Watson had a large cheering section as his family traveled to the game from his hometown of Gainesville, Ga. There were a lot of Clemson fans in attendance to root for Watson as well.
“It was awesome to be able to have that support and that fan base, especially when I come back around this area,” Watson said. “It’s good. God works in mysterious ways. My first NFL game was close enough for my family to see me.”
The former consensus All-American and Heisman Trophy award finalist was patient when things broke down around him, throwing the football away to avoid interceptions.
“…One of my goals is to take care of the football,” Watson said. “Especially at this level, you can’t turn the ball over. That’s one of the biggest things we focus on is to protect the ball.”
Watson wasn’t perfect, but he showed plenty of potential. He had misfires and missed reads, but he was steady.
“A lot of things,” Watson said when asked what he needs to improve. “We’ll be able to correct the mistakes and the passes that I missed. It was a good day overall. I did what I needed to do and felt comfortable doing it.”
He showed off his arm strength on a 65-yard incompletion in the first half. He delivered a perfect throw on a slant to running back Akeem Hunt for a 16yard completion. His first NFL pass was a 6-yard completion to tight end RaShaun Allen. Practice makes perfect
But the touchdown run was his highlight.
“I was just extending the play,” Watson said. “That’s what coach OB always tell me. If it’s there, do what I do. Don’t change and try to force anything: extend the play. I saw a hole and tried to get in the end zone and I did.”
Savage has been declared the starter and was 9 of 11 passing for 69 yards and a 92.8 rating, Watson showed flashes that he could be ready to play sooner than expected if called upon this season.
“I think he did a great job,” Savage said. “He went out there and made some plays.” aaron.wilson@chron.com twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL