The Houston Texans came up short against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7. The outcome could have been different had it not been for a premature whistle involving quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Watson had seemingly added another play to the highlight reel by miraculously finding wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a four-yard touchdown before he was ultimately ruled down. Although he did not agree with the call, the Texans star opted not to pin it on the officials, via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk:

“I went back and forth with the ref. He said I was down,” Watson said at his postgame press conference. “I don’t . . . If you watch the tape of all the plays I stand and make in the red zone . . . He said he was trying to protect my health. It goes back and forth, but that’s the call he made. We have to live with it.”

Another look from Dov Kleiman shows Watson maintaining his balance before delivering the strike to Hopkins.

Article Continues Below
Related News
image thumbnail
Texans’ riskiest move in 2025 NFL offseasonDouglas Fritz ·
Iowa State wideout and Houston Texans 2025 NFL Draft pick Jayden Higgins (WO18) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
NFL rumors: Texans, Browns the reason 2025 NFL Draft second-round picks aren’t signingTim Crean ·
Nick Chubb in the middle, Bears, Texans, Steelers logos in the background, Cloudy skies in the background
Ranking best Nick Chubb fits late in 2025 NFL free agencyEnzo Flojo ·
image thumbnail
Houston Texans 2 best trade targets to round out 2025 rosterEnzo Flojo ·
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud attends game six of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome.
Texans rumors: Mike Florio makes C.J. Stroud prediction after Brock Purdy contractBen Strauss ·
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans reacts during the third quarter of a 2025 AFC divisional round game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Texans make history with $11.7 million rookie contractLorenzo J Reyna ·

The early whistle from the referees negated what could have been another reminder of his MVP candidacy. More importantly, it potentially had a drastic effect on the result of the game after the Texans and Deshaun Watson were forced to settle for a field goal.

The NFL has been quick to fine players such as Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Clay Matthews for criticizing the officials. While he had good reason to be upset with the call, the cautious response from Watson is sure to keep some money in his pocket.