Chicago Bears: Evaluating Trubisky among 2017 quarterback draft class

Deshaun Watson

First, the situation. After starting only seven games in his rookie season before tearing his ACL in practice, Watson came into this season with questions surrounding his health. He’s always been a tough player (he played a game on a torn ACL in college), but how would his knee hold up? After all, he isn’t exactly known for avoiding contact when he scrambles.

Watson managed to start all 16 games this season even though he was hit more times than any other quarterback this year. One of those hits Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills led to bruised ribs and a punctured lung. Give him credit for his toughness; on the flip side, don’t give credit to the Texans for their reckless use of Watson. Anyways, that’s a story for another time.

Second, the numbers. This season, Watson completed 68.3 percent of his passes for 260.3 passing yards per game and 26 passing touchdowns while throwing nine interceptions. He also carried the ball 99 times for 551 rushing yards (5.2 average) and five rushing touchdowns. By all accounts, Watson had a very good sophomore regular season.

Watson started his first career postseason game in the Wild Card round against the Indianapolis Colts. In that game, he completed 29 of 49 passes for 235 passing yards and one touchdown with one interception. He also rushed for 76 yards. Watson struggled with accuracy all game, at one point missing a wide open Deandre Hopkins in the endzone.

Watson had a terrific regular season, but in the game that mattered most, his missed throws at key moments cost his team dearly. But overall, Texans fans should be pleased with the season Watson had and the future that lies ahead with him, assuming they can keep him healthy.