Deshaun Watson earned the respect of Seahawks three-time All-Pro Richard Sherman following Sunday's game at Seattle. Despite the 41-38 loss, the Texans rookie quarterback had himself a day, throwing for 402 yards, four touchdowns and rushing for a team-high 67 yards.
"Has there ever been a rookie that does that? It would be hard to find," Sherman said after the game. "Maybe [Michael] Vick from time to time; he was very special in the pocket. But, it wasn't like he was getting out to run. He was getting out to look up and find the open guy. He's going to be a special player in this league. He made plays that very few people in this league, including the top-tier guys, can make."
Sherman also told TheMMQB.com that Watson would be a top-five quarterback by next year, among the likes of veterans Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.
With his performance against the Seahawks, Watson became the first-ever NFL quarterback with 400-or-more passing yards, four-or-more passing touchdowns, and 50-or-more rushing yards in a single game. Watson introduced Sherman to his playmaking last Sunday, but the two already knew each other well off the field.
"It was a cool statement," Watson said. "I actually had the privilege to meet him at the ESPYs this past summer so I got to know him. We talked for like 30, 40 minutes, just about life and just different situations. So, our relationship started then and then being able to compete with him and hear that comment, it means a lot from a veteran guy that's probably a future Hall-of-Famer. Like he said, they played against the best, and I was just trying to go out there and get the job done and win."
Through seven games, Watson has the most passing touchdowns (19) by any rookie in NFL history, passing Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, and is tied for first among all NFL quarterbacks (Carson Wentz).
The Texans return to NRG on Sunday to face the Indianapolis Colts. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. on CBS and SportsRadio 610.
The Texans and Seahawks tangled at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.
