Deshaun Watson has been playing MVP-caliber football for the Houston Texans in 2019. Currently sitting at 6-4, Houston has a must-win game on Thursday. The Indianapolis Colts are coming to town in a crucial AFC South divisional matchup. Both teams are tied atop the standings right now. Thursday’s game can make a huge difference in the division race and the playoff outlook. Deshaun Watson has to play his MVP style of football in order for Houston to stay in the lead.
Deshaun Watson’s Case for the MVP
Despite suffering a 41-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday, the Texans are still very alive in the playoff contention. A win on Thursday could shift Watson higher in the MVP race. If the third-year quarterback can put up a solid outing, he can inch closer to Lamar Jackson. The main key in Thursday’s game is for Watson to remain consistent in the pocket.
On the season, Watson is 230-331 for 2,601 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. Though that interception number is a tad bit high, the Texans’ leader is still playing astoundingly considering the 6-4 record. Now, not making the playoffs could hurt Watson’s chances a bit too. But, if he continues to put up incredible statistics through the final six games, this MVP race can come down to the wire.
Deshaun Watson: Chasing a Division Title and a Trophy
The Texans have been able to avenge a 6-4 record behind the dynamic play of their leader under center. Watson has played at a high caliber level all season long up to this point. Moving forward, it will be crucial as to whether or not his MVP-hopeful season can continue. With weapons like Deandre Hopkins and Will Fuller to throw to, the dynamic quarterback has the talent surrounding him to make this team a contender. Though the offense was exposed against Baltimore, Houston knows what they are capable of as a whole team. Watson and the offense just have to maintain the composure and make the plays count. One factor for Deshaun Watson is to not turn the ball over. No interceptions, no fumbles, no mishaps.
All the talk surrounding Watson and the MVP race will heat up as the season continues. The close race between him, Lamar Jackson, and Russell Wilson could come down to the end. All three are certainly deserving. For Watson, winning the MVP would be a landmark achievement.
Could Missing the Playoffs Hurt Deshaun Watson’s Chances?
But, if the Texans were to make the playoffs and lose early, would it be an all for naught situation? That may not be the case for Houston’s stellar leader. Winning the MVP after the adversity he has overcome since 2017 would be a definitive checkpoint of his young NFL career. Given that the Texans have supplied Watson with loads of talent, it’s easy to see why he is in the MVP race, to begin with. His play says it all, but give credit to the guys around him. Hopkins and Fuller make the plays, Watson just throws them the ball. But don’t forget, he can also utilize his mobility outside of the pocket. That has always been a staple of his dynamic playmaking abilities is to run when pressured and gain necessary yardage to keep the drive alive.
