Is Deshaun Watson the best NFL quarterback in the state of Texas?
If the Houston Texans can infuse talent into their offensive line, Deshaun Watson may prove to be the best quarterback in the state of Texas.
Quarterbacks Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys and Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans burst onto the NFL scene in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
Promising careers ahead, both Prescott and Watson are putting up gaudy fantasy numbers and statistics. Who is better? Let’s compare with the limited data available.
College Production
| QB | Period | Years starting | Games | Att | Comp. | Comp. % | Yards | Yards/Attempt | TDs | Ints |
| Prescott | 2012-2015 | 4 | 49 | 1,169 | 734 | 62.80% | 9,376 | 8 | 70 | 23 |
| Watson | 2014-2016 | 3 | 38 | 1,207 | 814 | 67.40% | 10,163 | 8.4 | 90 | 32 |
Watson beats Prescott in numerous categories despite playing for one less year.
Watson threw for 1,000 more yards, 20 more touchdowns, 38 more attempts and a 5 percent better completion rate.
Prescott threw nine less interceptions. However, Prescott ran more in college. Both are incredible athletes and dual threat quarterbacks. So we will not debate the rushing totals.
I give the edge in college passing production to Watson. Adding in a National Championship gives Watson an even further edge.
Professional Statistics Rookie Year
| QB | Year | Games | Att. | Comp. | Comp% | Yards | Yards/Attempt | TDs. | TD % | Ints. | Passer Rating |
| Prescott | 2016 | 16 | 459 | 311 | 67.80% | 3,667 | 8 | 23 | 5% | 4 | 104.9 |
| Watson | 2017 | 5 | 145 | 90 | 62.10% | 1,072 | 7.4 | 12 | 8% | 4 | 100.7 |
Prorating Watson’s statistics out through 16 games, his numbers would be close to Prescott’s rookie production. With Watson’s limited sample it’s just too close to call. However, here is some subjective contour adding perspective to the statistics.
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As a rookie, Prescott played behind the NFL’s best offensive line and had rookie sensation, running back Ezekiel Elliott, to carry the weight of the Dallas offense.
Looking at the 2016 strength of schedule, the Cowboys ranked 27th in the league. Their opponents had a combined record of 119-137. Only three teams had easier schedules than the Cowboys. They didn’t play many top flight defenses.
In 2016, out of 32 teams, Prescott ranked 23rd in pass completions greater than 20 yards. Not what you would expect from a team with Dez Bryant on their roster. They were a dink and dunk team. Bryant was a fantasy football disappointment.
Now in 2017, the Cowboys are playing a first place schedule. They play top flight defenses and top caliber quarterbacks. Prescott already has as many losses and interceptions as he did all of last year. Add in Elliot’s six game suspension, a further load lands on Prescott’s shoulders. Time will tell how he finishes the season.
Turning to Watson. He is on pace to match Prescott’s rookie numbers. Through five games NFL.com ranks him above Prescott in yards per attempt, passing touchdowns, and completions for 20 or more yards.
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Impressive considering Watson doesn’t play behind the best offensive line in football, doesn’t have a dominant running game and is playing a first place schedule.
We are already seeing the magic. But imagine what we will witness if the Texans can strengthen their offensive line and running game to carry some of the load. Watson may turn out to be the best quarterback in the state of Texas.