The Houston Texans strongest weapons on offense could be Deshaun Watson and Will Fuller next season. How and why? Let’s examine this notion.
The HoustonTexansmade some necessary moves this offseason, with most of them being an attempt to beef up the secondary, which was one of the team’s weakest links this past season.
In addition, the NFL Draft afforded the HoustonTexanssome talented players that will be able to help improve other units such as the offensive line, tight ends as well as special teams.
It’s quite understood that we’ll likely be seeing a lot of Tytus Howard,Max ScharpingandKahale Warringbecause of needs. However, it remains to be seen how much contribution that we’ll see out ofCharles Omenihu,Xavier CrawfordandCullen Gillaspiaas they likely will have a bit more time on the bench to learn their craft.
Regardless, despite the tough schedule that the HoustonTexanshave on deck for 2019 doesn’t deter from the excitement to see these guys develop as well as how the free agents mesh with the team. The key additions have beenTashaun Gipson,Bradley RobyandDarren Fellswith the likely the first two of the aforementioned being relied upon heavily in 2019.
But what if I told you that the HoustonTexanscould have the deadliest quarterback/wide-receiver duo in the NFL in 2019?
You’re probably thinking I’m talking aboutDeshaun Watsonand that’s simply not the case.
How about Watson andWill Fuller?
Yes, I know you’re thinking “possibly, but that depends on if Will stays healthy” but it can be the case.
According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required),Watson and Fuller combined for 11 touchdowns off just 45 completions, which is good enough for 2nd in the NFL last season. They ranked behindPhilip RiversandHunter Henryin terms of productivity.
Fuller was running an impressive stride last season in terms of performance but it was literally halted with an ACL injury as he was running a deep route into the end zone in the 4th quarter of Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins. That would’ve likely been a touchdown catch had he not sustained the tear on that play but the HoustonTexansended up prevailing 42-23.
The biggest question was why Fuller was in the game when it seemed that the HoustonTexanshad control for the majority of the game but that’s neither here or there.
But here’s what PFF had to say about this deadly combination:
"“A forgotten pair, perhaps, as Fuller V went down with an ACL injury early in his 2018 campaign. Before that, though, he was carving up opposing defenses with Watson in tow. Through five weeks, Fuller ranked second in passer rating when targeted among wide receivers with 15 or more targets. The former first-round pick appeared ready to truly break out in his third year, but the injury derailed it — what it didn’t derail, though, is the rapport Fuller and Watson have developed. With 11 passing touchdowns to Fuller on just 45 completions, the duo owns the highest touchdown rate among qualifying pairs since 2006.”"
Watson had an amazing 138.2 passer rating when targeting Fuller this past season and I think it’s
More fromHouse of Houston
- Are you the 2021 FanSided Sports Fan of the Year?
- Houston Texans: 4 reasons Romeo Crennel is right coach right now
- Astros-Twins Wild Card Series: 5 things to know as MLB postseason begins
- Houston Texans: The Most Underrated Sports Drought Ever
- Houston Texans: J.J. Watt’s early case for NFL Hall of Fame
only going to get better once they figure out how to make Fuller out of titanium. I’m sure that’s not possible — plus he’d continuously be setting off the metal detectors — but I really hope that he can finish an entire season.
It’s important to note that 40 percent of Fuller’s targets were deep last season and if he’s clicking on all cylinders, I don’t see why this team won’t be able to stand above the fray in terms of offensive production, especially if the pass protection improves.
Let’s not forgot that guy on the other side — likely a future Hall of Famer — nicknamed Nuk. I don’t think he’s too shabby of a target either.
I can’t wait to see how this pans out!
Watson passed for 4,165 yards while throwing 26 touchdowns to nine interceptions with a 68.3 percent completion in all 16 games last season.
Fuller caught 32 balls for 503 yards and four touchdowns through seven games in 2018.
For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus,subscribe to PFF’s EDGE and ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations