Deshaun Watson is a miracle of a player. The Houston Texans rookie quarterback threw for 402 yards and four touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, and even though the Texans lost, Watson continues to prove that he’s a very special talent. After just six starts, is it too early to ask whether or not he is the greatest football player in history?
Too late, I already asked.
Let’s examine the case for and against Deshaun Watson as football’s invincible and unconquerable hero.
For:
He’s setting records—and not just rookie records.
Against:
Records are meant to be broken, so this achievement will one day be surpassed. What was the point of even breaking it in the first place?
For:
He’s thrown for 19 touchdowns and is tied for the most passing touchdowns in the NFL this season. He also broke the record for most touchdowns thrown by a quarterback in his first seven games.
Against:
If he stopped throwing touchdowns right now, he’d end up with 19 total for his career. While decent, that is far fewer than a player of his caliber should throw.
For:
Possessing incredible arm strength and athleticism, Watson is a nightmare for even the league’s very best defenses to handle.
Against:
If our society devolves into a Harrison Bergeron-type dystopia where the gifted are punished for their natural talents and abilities, he will be in trouble.
For:
He might be the most exciting player in the league.
Against:
NFL games are usually played on Sundays, which is a great day to kick your feet up, have an iced tea, and read the paper. Who needs all that excitement?
For:
He was the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and the third quarterback selected, but, barring any unforeseen developments, Watson already has offensive rookie of the year honors wrapped up. If the Texans post an impressive regular season record, a league MVP award could be in the rookie’s future.
Against:
Mitchell Trubisky seems like a lovely young man.
Verdict: Deshaun Watson is the best football player of all time. Congratulations, Deshaun!
