The Houston Texans’ overtime win over the Dallas Cowboys came at quite a cost physically for Deshaun Watson. The young QB was hit 10 times and even received medical attention in the medical tent late in the game after a particularly big hit. Thankfully, he was cleared in time to lead the Texans to a game-winning field goal in overtime.
Watson’s health is obviously very important for the Texans, especially after he tore his ACL last season. But while they’d prefer their star QB to avoid taking too much of a beating, Watson says he’s just going to continue to do what’s necessary to help the team win.
“I just do what’s best for the team,” Watson said per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “I know sometimes what’s best for the team is protecting myself. When we’re down there at the goal line and I’m trying to get in the end zone, that’s my mentality.
“Regardless of what I gotta do, if it’s three dudes like it was tonight multiple times, I’m gonna try to fight my ass off to get in the end zone. That’s my mentality and whatever it takes. I’m built to take those hits.”
Watson’s ability to make plays with his legs is a big part of what makes him special as a quarterback. That’s why it’s understandable that Watson would be a bit hesitant to change the style which has brought him so much success.
At this point, the Texans may just have to live with Watson playing the way he does and hope his body holds up to the inevitable beating he’ll take.