HOUSTON — Everyone is familiar with images from 2017 and 2018 when the Houston Texans fell short of defeating the New England Patriots. Quarterback Tom Brady would embrace youngster Deshaun Watson and tell him to keep fighting and to endeavor to persevere.
On Sunday night at NRG Stadium, Watson was the one who was the victor giving Brady the postgame greeting.
“As far as big wins, honestly, it’s pretty big,” said Watson, who completed 18-of-25 for 234 yards and three touchdowns. “Really just because it’s Brady. I was 0-2 against Brady. Who knows when he’s going to hang it up? That’s my role model, a guy that’s been doing it forever, over 20 years.”
As to what Brady told Watson after the game, the tenor was much the same as it was during the two losses up at Gillette Stadium.
“Just congratulated me, said keep going, stay healthy,” said Watson. “We’ll be in touch. We’re going to talk this offseason. Definitely a resource that he’s going to give an opportunity to check in and learn from him. I’m definitely going to take it.”
Watson is hoping he can lead the Texans to a Brady-esque ending to the season. The win propels Houston to 8-4 on the season, drops New England to 10-2, and gives the Baltimore Ravens the first spot in the AFC playoffs due to their own win against the Patriots.
