Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt did not record a single stat in the team’s 30-28 loss to the New Orleans Saints Monday night at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Even though the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year played 60 snaps, tied with outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus for the most by a Texans defender that night, Watt could not register a tackle, a pass breakup, a quarterback hit, nothing.
Yet, Watt isn’t discouraged by the result, as inauspicious as it is occurring on Opening Day.
“I’ve had bad games before and I’ll have bad games again,” Watt told reporters Wednesday. “People like to focus on it, and I don’t blame them. I understand.”
However, Watt shifted focus. After all, the club has 15 more games to go and kicks off their AFC South six-game slate with the Jacksonville Jaguars visiting NRG Stadium for the home opener.
“I’m focused on Jacksonville,” said Watt. “It’s my job to go out there and not do that again, so that’s what I’ll do.”
Against the Jaguars, Watt has notched 53 combined tackles, 16.0 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and even a safety in 13 career games. Jacksonville will also be giving rookie Gardner Minshew his first career start after quarterback Nick Foles broke his collarbone in the team’s 40-26 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Watt ought to be able to return to the stat sheet with these variables in play.
