Houston Texans: Deshaun Watson, standouts from Week 8 vs. Dolphins

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 25: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans is congratulated by Kendall Lamm #74 after a touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at NRG Stadium on October 25, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 25: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans sets up to pass against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at NRG Stadium on October 25, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

1. QB Deshaun Watson

Many have been waiting for the 2017 rookie phenomenon to get untracked this season and show the form he displayed in his brief time on the field a year ago. Last season, the Houston Texans scored 36 offensive touchdowns in a disappointing 4-12 campaign. With quarterback Deshaun Watson, Bill O’Brien’s unit reached the end zone 23 times in 26 quarters.

Then came a knee injury last November and the rookie’s season was over. Understandably, Watson looked tentative earlier this season as he looked to round back into playing form. And on Thursday night against the Miami Dolphins, he enjoyed quite the outing.

The young signal-caller hit on 80 percent of his 20 pass attempts, good for 239 yards and five scores. He found veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (both in the fourth quarter) and rookie tight end Jordan Thomas twice each for touchdowns. Meanwhile, Watson found speedy Will Fuller for a 73-yard score late in the third quarter to give his team a double-digit lead.

dark. Next. NFL Week 8: Coaches on the hot seat

Perhaps the best news for Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans on Thursday night was the fact that the second-year pro was not sacked in the game. A week ago, he was dumped by the Jacksonville Jaguars just once. A healthier Watson and an offensive front getting better by the week could add up to some very bad news for the rest of the league.

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