Fansided

Power Ranking the 2019 NFL Playoff Quarterbacks

By Russell S. Baxter

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Dolphins defeat the Patriots 27-24. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Dolphins defeat the Patriots 27-24. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 12
Next
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 21: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans at the line of scrimmage calling a play during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. The Texans defeated the Buccaneers 23 to 20. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 21: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans at the line of scrimmage calling a play during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. The Texans defeated the Buccaneers 23 to 20. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

9. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans

2019 Recap: A season ago, the 2017 first-round selection was sacked a league-high 62 times in 16 regular-season contests. This season, that number was reduced to 44 times in 15 outings. Watson enjoyed a solid year in terms of completion percentage (67.3) and threw more than twice as many touchdown passes (26) as interceptions (12). He did fumble 10 times and lost three of those miscues. And the third-year pro also frustrated more than one opposing defense with his legs, scrambling to elude pass rushers and making plays even under duress. It was a very complete year for a performer who continues to make strides.

Postseason Pedigree: Watson’s lone NFL postseason appearance came a season ago in what wound up being a 21-7 home setback to the rival Indianapolis Colts in the wild card round. He wound throwing for 235 yards and one score with one interception. He also led the club with 76 rushing yards on eight carries.

Analysis: This season, Watson has had a much better supporting cast in the form of a running attack featuring Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson and less reliant on the quarterback on the move. That’s not to say he can’t still make plays with his legs. Watson’s ability to avoid trouble could be a deciding factor.

Next: No. 8

Home/NFL Power Rankings