Deshaun Watson Makes His Feelings Clear About Facing Texans As DeMeco Ryans Weighs In On Reunion

Deshaun Watson prepares to face his former team, the Texans© Instagram/ deshaunwatson

Deshaun Watson wants the Texans game to be about winning, not about the past. The Cleveland Browns quarterback told reporters on Wednesday the matchup with his former team is a chance to get back on track at home. Houston drafted him 12th overall in 2017. The Texans visit Cleveland on Sunday, November 15, for a Week 10 game. Houston is 3-5, and the Browns are 5-4 after two straight losses. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans also weighed in on the reunion, and he spent more time on Watson's play than on any old history.

What Did Deshaun Watson Say About Facing The Texans?

Watson kept the answer short and pointed at the standings. “It's a big opportunity for us. Get back on the winning track, especially get in front of our home fans. That's the ultimate focus, is focus on that,” Watson told reporters.

He then pushed the revenge angle aside. “All the outside things, going against my former team, that stuff was in the past. Four, five years ago? Yeah, it was a big deal,” he said. “Now, I think both sides have moved on, and we're just both trying to find ways to win and continue to put ourself in position for later on down the road.”

The $230 million quarterback has given Cleveland real production this year, throwing for 1,806 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He also leads the league with 33 sacks taken. Houston got three first-round picks in the trade that sent Watson to the Browns, so the history is hard to ignore.

Ryans Praises Watson As Texans Prepare For Familiar Faces

Ryans did not hide his respect for the Browns quarterback.

“I've seen a guy who's being very decisive with the football. He's getting the ball out of his hands very quickly. When it's not there, it's his athletic ability to escape the pocket.”

The Houston coach also pointed to late-game work. “Deshaun has really rose to the occasion, and he's made some really big plays to put their team in position to win a lot of football games,” Ryans said.

Texans defender Will Anderson Jr. sees a tough task up front. “We got to really do a good job of closing the gate on him. All four guys have to rush together,” Anderson said.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud was warmer. “I got a lot of appreciation for Deshaun,” Stroud said. “He was good to me when I was in college, and been a big fan of his when he played here as well,” he added.