With an array of weapons at his disposal in 2019, Deshaun Watson's found Darren Fells for a touchdown more than any other pass-catcher this season.
Fells joined the club as a free agent this offseason. Described by many as a 'blocking tight end', Fells jokingly describes himself as a 'left, left tackle' or a 'right, right tackle'. He's proven to be very effective in pass protection and as a blocker in the run game. But after Sunday's pair of touchdown grabs, the veteran tight end leads the team in scoring catches with five this year.
"It's always fun to be able to help my teammates," Fells said Sunday. "I've always felt that the more weapons you have on offense, the harder you are to stop. So anything I can to help out the team – pass game, run game, I'm going to do and try to get my teammates involved as well."
Fells was a monster in the fourth quarter of the 27-24 victory over the Raiders. He snared a four-yard touchdown pass with 14:56 remaining, and the Texans were able to trim the Oakland lead to 21-20.
At the 6:26 mark, he pulled in another touchdown from Watson, as his nine-yard catch put Houston ahead for good, 27-24.
Just before the 2-minute warning, with the Raiders out of timeouts, and the Texans facing a 2nd-and-7, Fells helped ice the victory when he came down with another 9-yarder at midfield. It gave the home team a first down, and allowed Watson and the offense to line up in victory formation for the final three plays.
"He's been a great addition," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "He's a very mature guy. He's a guy that cares. He wants to do what's right for the team, very much of a team oriented guy. He's been a really an excellent addition to our team. He's helped us tremendously."
When the dust settled on Sunday's win, Fells caught six passes for 58 yards. It was the second game this season with multiple scoring catches, and it's the third time in his career he's caught two or more touchdowns in a game.
In the red zone, he's been a welcome sight for Watson, who described the benefits of the 6-7, 270-pound former professional basketball player.
"He's a big body, big basketball guy who just kind of came in and just been working," Watsons said. "Each and every day he's doing that and it's been great to have him on the team."
The five touchdowns in 2019 are a career-best for Fells, who's in his sixth NFL season.
Houston Texans take on the Oakland Raiders at NRG Stadium for the eighth game of the 2019 NFL season.