Turnover-free football paves path to success
Watson’s ability to avoid mistakes a key factor in extending win streak
The Texans’ recipe for success can be found in a recordbreaking achievement from their Sunday night victory at Denver that extended their winning streak to six games.
For the first time in franchise history, the Texans didn’t commit a turnover for a third consecutive game. If they can come close to continuing that accomplishment, they’ll be capable of beating any team left on the schedule.
Since 2015, the Texans are 17-1 when they win the turnover battle. That’s one reason they’re the first team since the 1970 New York Giants to begin the season 0-3 and win six consecutive games.
While Deshaun Watson and the offense played turnover-free football against the Broncos, the defense had one takeaway, and it was instrumental in a 19-17 win that elevated the Texans’ record to 6-3.
Nose tackle Brandon Dunn
forced a fumble that safety Justin Reid recovered at the Denver 23. That takeaway led to Watson’s 16-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins and a 13-3 lead in the second quarter.
“It’s always big on every level,” Watson said about protecting the ball. “A turnover is giving a possession to the opposing team and seeing how they can capitalize with it. We don’t want them to have it.
“We’re trying to take care of the football. If we do that, the chances of us winning are very high.”
An open date now gives the Texans some well-deserved time off. When they play their next game at Washington on Nov. 18, protecting the ball will be their top priority. It starts with Watson, who’s been on a terrific streak.
During the winning streak, Watson has completed 122 of 179 passes (68.2 percent) for 1,518 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. His rating is 107.3. He has run 32 times for 148 yards (4.6 average) and one touchdown.
In the last three games, Watson has gone 45-of-68 (66.2 percent) for 591 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions.
His rating is 132.7. He has 14 carries for 65 yards (4.6) and no touchdowns.
“He’s grown a lot as far as understanding the type of game we’re in and how we want to play that game,” O’Brien said. “He’s an awesome guy to work with. He cares about studying and putting in the time to prepare for each game. He’s learned a lot about defenses. He’s had a lot thrown at him defensively this season. He’s improved every week.”
O’Brien used the Denver game as an example of how much Watson has improved.
“(That’s) a good game to point to for an NFL quarterback,” O’Brien said. “He didn’t turn it over. He got us into the right play. He was able to lead us on some multiple-play drives. He came out of the game with a high rating (125.0), and we won the game.”
Watson has thrown seven touchdown passes in the last two games. The Texans have scored eight touchdowns in the red zone.
One reason O’Brien calls so many running plays, especially on first down, is because he wants Watson to throw as little as possible. That philosophy reduces the risk of his getting hit like he was earlier in the season.
Watson is playing smarter football. He’s not reckless when he’s running. He’s not throwing into coverage. He’s throwing the ball away or taking short sacks to avoid interceptions.
“That’s big,” O’Brien said. “I think that’s one of the biggest things for us right now. We’ve been able to take the ball away, and we have, for three straight games, not turned the ball over.
“If you lose the turnover battle, you’re probably going to lose the game. That’s a big deal for us.”
A large part of Watson’s progress can be traced to coaching by O’Brien and Sean Ryan (quarterbacks). They spend hours every week working with Watson in the film room and on the practice field.
“As a coach, you try to emphasize it (protecting the ball) and show it on film how the opponent is taking the ball away and these are things we have to do to hold on to the ball,” O’Brien said. “In the Buffalo game, there was a lack of ball security. Buffalo did a great job of taking the ball away from us.
“But you learn from your experiences.”
When he was getting obliterated by pass rushers, Watson had to learn the hard way. Now he looks down the field before electing to run because the coaches want him to protect himself at all costs.
Throw it away and live for another play.
“We have to keep that going,” O’Brien said. “As you get into these games, that’s going to be a key stat. I don’t think there’s any bigger stat.”
Actually, there is one. The Texans are almost guaranteed of winning if they’re ahead at halftime, as they were against the Broncos.
In O’Brien’s five seasons, the Texans are 27-1 — an NFL-best .964 percentage — when they lead at halftime.