What Deshaun Watson brings to the Houston Texans’ offense has been well documented on any highlight reel one can find on the internet.
Former Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson was certainly aware of that skill, but since coming to the Texans after being traded in March, Johnson has uncovered other strong aspects of Watson’s game.
“Honestly, I knew he was a great quarterback and I knew he was a great scrambler, being able to avoid tackles and sacks,” Johnson told reporters on Aug. 6. “I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is how smart he is and how well he knows the offense. Like I said earlier, you would think he came up with the offense.”
Watson’s mastery of the offense is one of the reasons why the Texans’ coaching and front office decided to take a gamble and build around their two-time Pro Bowl quarterback. In Tim Kelly’s second year as offensive coordinator, first as play-caller, the Texans’ strategy is to give Watson as many weapons as possible and let him ascertain where the ball needs to go.
It isn’t just Watson’s knowledge of the offense that impresses Johnson; it’s Watson’s comprehension of defenses, too.
Said Johnson: “His ability to know defenses. Knowing coverages, knowing what to audible the play to, to put us on top to win that play against the defense, whatever they throw at us.”
Johnson has seen “little spurts” of Watson’s ability in the walk-throughs at training camp, and says the former 2017 first-round pick from Clemson, “has been amazing.”
Watson has demonstrated the physical ability to play at a high level. Houston is counting on his ability to process the game and make the best decisions on-field to elevate the Texans to areas they have never been in January. Texans fans are hoping for the big spurt in the playoffs.
