Deshaun Watson wrapped up his 2018 season with his first Pro Bowl selection. Then, it seemed as if the young Houston Texans quarterback was primed for a big season in 2019. Through nine games of play in his third year as a pro, he has not disappointed.
In 2019, Watson has shown improvement in virtually every category. His passer rating is up (107.1 from 103.1 in 2018) so is his touchdown rate (6% up from 5.1%), red zone completion rate (67.5% from 54.4%) and pressured completion rate (45.2% from 36.7%), via PlayerProfiler.
Can he credit that to his new quarterbacks coach, Carl Smith?
The 71-year-old, well-praised coach — who helped craft Russell Wilson through his first seven seasons — is mum on that subject. Watson was good before and he’s better now; he will leave it at that.
“He was playing pretty good before. He’s just trying to put together a good year. I don’t know,” Smith told reporters on Nov. 5. “You’d probably be better suited to say where his improvement came. He’s playing really great football, and just working on winning that next game, getting a game seven win.”
Whether Smith will admit it or not, Watson is a more efficient quarterback with him as his coach. That shows in a lower interception rate (1.8% from 1.9%) and a higher completion rate (70.2% from 68.3%). He is also getting the ball out quicker.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Watson averages 2.79 seconds to throw, a marked improvement from his 3.01 seconds in 2018 and 3.1 in 2017. Smith, again, won’t take credit for that. Instead, he alludes to a shift in play-calling and offensive design from coach Bill O’Brien and offensive coordinator Tim Kelly.
“It really is the design of the offense with OB (O’Brien) and Tim Kelly,” said Smith. “The play calls are quick play calls, quick rhythm passes. So, more of the play calls.”
Houston has given Watson a new offensive line, a legendary quarterbacks coach and morphed their playbook to speed up his internal clock and take advantage of his rare abilities. The result: an MVP candidate.
