The Houston Texans are in the middle of their second joint practice of training camp. While coach Bill O’Brien likes the aspect of his team going against different skill sets and fronts, what exactly does quarterback Deshaun Watson get out of the joint camps?
O’Brien outlined it specifically for reporters Tuesday at Houston Methodist Training Center.
“Learning from play to play, good poise, taking what the defense gives him, good operation, operate the offense at a high level,” O’Brien said. It’s great because you see different schemes.”
When the Texans were having a joint camp with the Green Bay Packers leading up to their preseason opener, Watson was able to go against Mike Pettine’s 3-4 defense, which is different from the scheme Texans defensive corodinator Romeo Crennel runs, even though it is also a base 3-4. Similarly, with the Detroit Lions, Watson faces looks from a 4-3 defense.
“It’s really good work for him,” O’Brien said.
Knowledge is power, and every rep the Pro Bowl quarterback takes against a different defense in preparation for his third NFL season empowers the Texans’ passing game.
“You’re just trying to get better,” said O’Brien. “Every chance that you get out here to rep against a good defense is a good experience for Deshaun.”
Watson did not play a down for Houston against the Packers on Aug. 8. While the former 2017 first-round pick is seeing plenty of the Lions during their two-day joint practices, there is nothing that simulates playing an actual game. Having Watson face Detroit’s defense during live action on Saturday night should help him prepare for the season even more than going against the Lions in joint practices.
