#ThisDayThatYear: Rookie Watson tied two NFL rookie records in 2017
On October 1, 2017, Houston Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson became the first rookie since 1961 to throw four touchdowns and run for another in a single game. His stellar performance tied the NFL record for most touchdowns by a rookie QB, leading the Texans to a 57-14 victory over the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. We decode the impeccable record and Watson's stats.
Titans struggle in second half, Texans post dominating victory
The Texans managed double-digit scores in three quarters while keeping the Titans scoreless in three quarters. The 57-14 blowout marked one of Houston's highest-scoring games. Rookie Watson managed 25 passes for 283 yards, with four TDs and one rushing TD. With this win the Texans also became just the second team in the league to score 50+ points since the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014.
Watson ties rookie touchdown record, first since 1961
Watson tied the NFL rookie record with five touchdowns, four passing and one rushing. He added 24 rushing yards in a 57-14 win against the Titans. He became the first rookie since Fran Tarkenton in 1961 to do so. Tarkenton, in his debut, threw for 250 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for another, and setting an NFL record.
QB's 2023 rookie season stats
During his 2017 rookie season, Watson played just seven games, completing 126 of 204 passes for 1,699 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. He boasts a passer rating of 103.0, rushing for 269 yards and 2 touchdowns on 36 attempts. Meanwhile, Watson's dynamic playstyle earned him accolades during his rookie year despite an injury that cut his debut season short.
Decoding Watson's career stats
Over his career seven-season career, (2021 season was missed due to non-injury reasons/personal matters), Watson has played 69 regular-season games, completing 1,457 of 2,205 passes for 17,307 yards and 121 touchdowns. His career passer rating stands at 99.3, with 1,335 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, in three playoff games, he's thrown for 870 yards and 4 touchdowns, maintaining a 91.0 passer rating.
Other notable achievements
Beyond his record-setting rookie season, Watson led the NFL in passing yards in 2020 with 4,823. He was selected to three Pro Bowls (2018-2020) and is known for his remarkable leadership and playmaking ability, becoming one of the NFL's top dual-threat quarterbacks. His ability to excel under pressure has been a hallmark of his career.
