Deshaun Watson, a name that has reverberated through the NFL, has had a career filled with both remarkable highs and unexpected twists. One question that often arises among football enthusiasts is, "How many playoff games has Deshaun Watson won?" To answer this, we need to take a comprehensive look at his journey in the postseason.
Watson's Road to the Playoffs
Watson was selected by the Houston Texans in the first round (12th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. After a promising start to his rookie season, injuries cut his year short. However, in 2018 and 2019, he led the Texans to consecutive AFC South division titles, earning him a spot in the playoffs.
Playoff Performances
2019 AFC Wild Card: Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
Watson's first playoff appearance came on January 5, 2019, against the Indianapolis Colts. In this game, he completed 29 of 49 passes for 235 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Despite his efforts, the Texans fell to the Colts, 21 - 7, resulting in a loss in his playoff debut. His quarterback rating for the game was 69.7, and he was sacked 3 times. This game was a learning experience for the young quarterback in the high - pressure environment of the NFL playoffs.
2020 AFC Wild Card: Houston Texans vs. Buffalo Bills
The following year, on January 4, 2020, Watson faced the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card game. This time, he had a much more efficient performance. He completed 20 of 25 passes, an impressive 80% completion rate, for 247 yards and 1 touchdown with no interceptions. His quarterback rating soared to 121.2. Watson's performance was a key factor in the Texans' 22 - 19 victory over the Bills. This win was not only Watson's first playoff victory but also a significant moment for the Texans franchise, as it was their first playoff win since 2016.
2020 AFC Divisional: Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs
In the divisional round on January 12, 2020, Watson and the Texans traveled to face the powerful Kansas City Chiefs. Watson had a decent statistical game, completing 31 of 52 passes for 388 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions. His quarterback rating was 95.7. However, the Chiefs' high - powered offense proved too much for the Texans, and they lost the game 51 - 31. Despite the loss, Watson showed that he could compete against one of the best teams in the league in the playoffs.
The Overall Record
In summary, as of now, Deshaun Watson has a playoff record of 1 win and 2 losses in his career. His lone victory came against the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 AFC Wild Card round, while his losses were to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2019 AFC Wild Card and the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2020 AFC Divisional round.
These playoff games have not only been a measure of Watson's performance but also a reflection of the Texans' success during his tenure. While his playoff record may not be as extensive as some of the league's elite quarterbacks, his talent and potential are undeniable. Each game has provided valuable experience that he can build on in future playoff appearances, should he get the opportunity. Whether he remains with the Texans or moves on to another team, fans will be watching closely to see how his playoff legacy continues to develop.