Why fans should not worry about Deshaun Watson

The Houston Texans have faced some struggles this season, including quarterback Deshaun Watson. Here is why you don’t need to worry about the second-year QB.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has faced a great amount of criticism the last couple of weeks for the two losses to start the 2018 season, especially after losing to the battered Tennessee Titans last Sunday.

Pundits and analysts believe the hype around the phenomenal rookie quarterback was a “fallacy” and that he is not the franchise quarterback everyone thought he was. Most of the early struggles can be attributed to the weak and inexperienced offensive line.

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As a result, Watson has been pressured and hit at an extremely high rate, as he’s been sacked seven times through the first two games. Additionally, the offensive line does not allow Watson to move out of the pocket and scramble, which is very vital to his game.

This has hindered the potency of the offense, leading to heavy criticism. Despite these struggles, there are many signs that Watson is back and is at his best for the following three reasons.

1. Connecting with his receivers

Although Watson had a tough game against the New England Patriots in Week 1, he showed off his special connection with his star receivers against the Titans. Last Sunday, Watson threw for a combined 213 yards and two touchdowns to star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and to the speedy Will Fuller. This special “trifecta” has been spectacular for the Texans offense when all three are on the field at the same time. If they do continue their hot streak, critics of Watson will definitely change their opinion and the Texans offense should be feared.

With both Hopkins and Fuller healthy, the Texans Top 2 receivers create a formidable duo. Additionally, with rookie tight end Jordan Akins and fellow wide receiver Bruce Ellington looking to continue their already big impact, Watson has many options who have shown great promise throughout the first two weeks of football.

2. Becoming more accurate

In the first week against the Patriots, Watson was 17-of-34 for 196 yards, one touchdown and one interception. In the second week against the Titans, however, Watson went 22-of-32 for 310 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Within the past two weeks, Watson has increased accuracy by 20-percent. If this trend continues, and Watson continues to improve, he will help the Texans become more powerful.

Watson, as seen last season, is a vital part of the Texans’ offense. He is the main catalyst for this offense and in order to avoid bust status it is crucial that he continues to improve this season. It is natural for Watson to be lacking as he is recovering from his second ACL injury, however, he should utilize his time well and prove his first round status.

3. Watson is healthy

Most importantly is that Watson is back and healthy. Many of last year’s offensive struggles were due to the lack of the Texans’ main catalyst, Watson at quarterback. With Watson back, the possibilities are endless for the offense. What many pundits and harsh critics fail to understand is that Watson is a second-year quarterback with room to grow and develop.

Additionally, coming back from an excruciating injury last year, it is natural for a player like Watson to struggle some. Fans should take solace in the fact that Watson is back and that he is likely to retake that “franchise quarterback” moniker back.

What is most important for the Texans right now is that Watson is healthy. Watson is the X-Factor that could make this season a make-or-break year for the Texans.

Without Watson healthy, there would be a highly unlikely chance that the Texans would make playoffs, but with Watson back, the playoffs (and even a Super Bowl appearance), is within reach.