Deshaun Watson's learning curve is a steep one in the NFL, but the rookie has made big strides, according to head coach Bill O'Brien.
"I think the more reps he's had, the more meetings from OTAs to where he is now – he's a smart kid," O'Brien said Monday. "He works very hard. He learns, like I said, from the mistakes and he tries not to repeat those mistakes. He sees a lot from our defense, so I'm sure he tries to keep that in his memory bank for when it happens again. It's the same thing for any rookie, but I just think that he's doing a good job mentally as a rookie, no doubt."
Watson saw his first game action in the Texans preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, completing 15-of-25 for 179 yards and one rushing touchdown. The Texans rookie quarterback will also see action against the New England Patriots for two days of joint practice leading up to Saturday's preseason game. O'Brien hopes to see more continued improvement from Watson this week when he faces the Super Bowl champion Patriots defense.
"I think the guy comes out here every day and tries to get better, and that's what you've seen," O'Brien said. "He's improving in his knowledge of our system, he's improving in understanding the defensive looks. He's seen a lot from our defense, so he studies that. He tries to come back the next day and learn from his mistakes and build on the things that he's doing well, so I just want to see continued improvement."
The Texans-Patriots joint practices take place Tuesday and Wednesday in West Virginia at The Greenbrier. Both teams will then travel to Houston for the second preseason game on Saturday.
Check out the best shots from Day 14 of training camp practice at The Greenbrier in West Virginia.
