Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins dazzle on Broadway
Deshaun Watson recorded his 5th game-winning drive in the 4th quarter and OT this season during the Houston Texans 29-22 win against the New York Jets.
The silky-smooth quarterback tossed a 14-yard touchdown pass to another former Clemson Tiger, DeAndre Hopkins, with just 2:15 remaining in the contest, giving the Texans a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
A Nelson Fairbairn field goal, with just :40 seconds left, provided the final margin of victory, but it was the two former Tigers who did most of the heavy lifting for Texans, moving them to 10-4 this season.
Watch: Deshaun Watson Postgame
"Every game comes down to a final drive,” Watson said. “You've got to be able to block out all the noise, lock in and try to lead the team to victory."
Watson’s five game-winning drives are tied with Drew Brees for the most in the NFL this season.
After the game Texans head coach Bill O’Brien stated, "Thank God he's our quarterback."
Watson finished the game throwing for 294 on 22 of 28 passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Both of Watson’s passing touchdowns found their way to Hopkins.
Watch: DeAndre Hopkins Postgame
Hopkins had a huge game, including his two touchdown receptions, he hauled in 10 catches for 170 yards. Hopkins now leads all receivers with an NFL-best 24 touchdowns since last season. It was the third time this season that Hopkins had 10 or more receptions.
With his 170 yard performance, Hopkins leads the league with three games of 150+ yards receiving or more. Hopkins put up 238 yards against the Titans in week 13 and 224 yards against the Seahawks earlier this season.
Watson also rushed for 26 yards on 4 carries, including this 24-yard jaunt.
Watson’s only real issue was being sacked six times in the game, and consistent pressure from the Jets kept the second-year starter in check for most of the second half after a brilliant start.
According to ESPN, Watson has now eclipsed 5,000 career passing yards and became the first quarterback to throw for at least 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns and rush for at least 700 yards in a player’s first 21 career games in NFL history.
After starting the season 0-3, the Texans can clinch the AFC South if the Titans and Colts both lose on Sunday. The Texans next game is at Philadelphia on December 23.