Deshaun Watson Ties NFL Rookie TD Record In Texans’ 57-14 Win Vs. Titans

by Pablo MenaOctober 2, 2017, 4:03 pmDaily Digest, News, Z-Home Slider >

Deshaun Watson has made quite the impression after just three starts in his professional career.

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The former Clemson quarterback threw four touchdowns and ran for a fifth to go 25-of-34 in the air for 283 yards and an interception in leading the Houston Texans to a 57-14 home victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Watson’s five scores tied an NFL rookie touchdown record. The QB — who donated his first paycheck to NRG Stadium cafeteria workers affected by Hurricane Harvey — also had four carries for 24 yards.

The last rookie quarterback to throw four touchdowns and rush for another in a game was Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton in 1961, according to ESPN Stats & Information. It also marked the first time in Texans franchise history that the team scored 50 or more points. Houston’s previous high of 45 points — which also came against the Titans — was in 2014.

“He’s making smart decisions,” Houston coach Bill O’Brien said after the game. “He’s a very calm guy, and he’s always going to try and make the best decision for the team.”

Watson earned the Manning Award for the nation’s top QB his final two seasons in leading Clemson to back-to-back national championship appearances and the Tigers’ first national title since 1981 this year.

“He’s maturing more and more every day, not just on the field, but off the field,” Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins said of Watson, his former college teammate. “He’s doing things that [are] characteristics of a quarterback that wants to win everything, the ultimate goal. The way he carries himself — not just on the field, but off the field — the leadership mentality he has.

Hopkins recorded his first 100-yard receiving game this season, finishing with ten catches for 107 yards and one touchdown.

The Texans also benefited greatly from the return of wide receiver Will Fuller, who made his first appearance since breaking his collarbone in training camp.

Fuller finished with four catches for 35 yards and two touchdowns and drew a pass interference in the end zone that could have been another score.

Marcus Mariota went 6-of-10 for 96 yards and had two rushing touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Texans (2-2, 2nd in AFC South) next host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, when the Titans (2-2, 3rd in AFC South) visit the Miami Dolphins.

In other NFL news, running back Marshawn Lynch showed up to the Oakland Raiders’ (2-2) 16-10 loss to the Broncos (3-1) in Denver on Sunday with a black t-shirt reading “Everybody vs. Trump.”

Lynch sat for the national anthem before his first preseason game with the Raiders on Aug. 12, and did so again on Sunday.

HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 01: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans rushes with the ball as Karl Klug #97 of the Tennessee Titans pursues in the second quarter at NRG Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)