The Houston Texans desperately needed to find their first franchise quarterback last spring. Through half a season, there's little doubt left that Deshaun Watson is ready to fill that role. On Sunday, he had the best game of his young career against one of the most vaunted defenses in the entire NFL. The final result should do little to obscure what can only be described as a positive, record-breaking day in the history of the young Houston Texans franchise.
Watson makes history on history
Let's start with the final stats for Watson. He completed just under two-thirds of his passes, completing 19-of-30 throws for 402 yards and four touchdowns.
He also did his typical damage on the ground, rushing for 67 yards on eight carries. He was sacked five times, however, for a loss of 35 yards. Watson also threw three interceptions, including one safety Earl Thomas returned to the house for a touchdown. Richard Sherman had the other two interceptions.
Nevertheless, Watson made plenty of history. He became just the fourth quarterback to throw for at least three touchdowns four separate times during their rookie season, joining future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, as well as Marcus Mariota and Dak Prescott. The Texans quarterback also recorded his 19th passing touchdown of the season, surpassing the record for most in a quarterback's first seven games; Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner previously held the record with 18.
Watson was even able to work with his adversary for the day on another unique piece of history. He and Russell Wilson became just the sixth quarterback pair to record 400 passing yards and four touchdowns in the same game. Wilson had 452 yards and just one interception. He also wound up with the victory over Houston.
Texans still lose
While defense felt like it was at a premium on Sunday afternoon, the 41-38 victory for Seattle still felt like one of the best games of the NFL season so far. It was a battle between two quarterbacks that could spend the next decade and more at the top of the game. There were dramatic plays and heroics from both the Texans and the Seahawks, Watson and Wilson.
An 18-yard touchdown grab from tight end Jimmy Graham sealed the deal for Seattle with just 20 seconds left.
The Texans won't have much time to wallow in defeat. Watson will be back leading the charge next Sunday, this time in a division game against the Indianapolis Colts.
