NFL film study: Deshaun Watson struggles against Bengals

We move to the second quarter, with the Texans facing a 3rd and 7 at their own 28-yard line. Houston is in 20 personnel, with Hopkins to the left side. Running back Lamar Miller is flanking Watson, also to his left.

Cincinnati tries to confuse Watson on this play. It looks like a single-high safety, signaling either Cover 1 or Cover 3. From my “art” you can understand why the Bengals want Watson to see. Look at the red lines. The Bengals want him to see man-coverage across the board with Iloka helping over the top.

Once the snap happens, look at how things have changed.

This is Cover 2 all the way. Instead of guarding Miller, safety Shawne Williams bails into a deep half-field role. On the outside, the Bengals are in man-coverage with help over the top, and three defenders underneath to take away the short routes.

Houston leaves in seven to block, with Miller scooting out of the backfield when hed oesn’t have a blitzer to pick up. Watson, for one of the few times in the game, has a clean pocket.

With pressure coming off the edge, Watson steps up. This is where we find both potential and rawness in his game. Watson does well not to run here, but should be looking to hit Hopkins on the deep dig route. He’s about the clear the underneath linebacker in the middle of the field, giving him a sure first down with an accurate, low throw to protect him. The corner route is too tough a throw on the run.

Instead, Watson does the next-best thing. He checks down to Miller, who has a chance of picking up the first down with his legs. Give credit here for the youngster finding his safety valve and not panicking under duress.

Ultimately, Miller jukes his way for 12 yards and a first down. Second-year linebacker Nick Vigil takes the wrong angle, allowing Miller to cut back inside for the yardage. Watson and the offense live to see another set of downs on this drive.

Conclusion

Watson looked as many would expect in his first start: raw. There were times when he locked onto a target; usually Hopkins. It was evident that when Hopkins was covered, the play was either forced or aborted.

In fairness to Watson, his other options are underwhelming. Multiple snaps saw nobody get open against a Cincinnati defense that almost always dropped into some sort of zone.

His biggest strength is undoubtedly his athleticism and ability to extend the play. The most-obvious weakness is his accuracy, as Watson continually missed open targets on a bevy of throws. He has to be better with ball placement.

All told, it was an average debut, with a much tougher test coming this weekend against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.