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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.
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This was a touchdown if the ref don't rule it a sack.pic.twitter.com/AJXpRNcZtR
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 20, 2019
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.
