AFC South Power Rankings: Colts, Titans, Texans, and Jaguars QBs
By Brady Akins
1. Houston Texans
This one shouldn’t ruffle too many feathers, or at least I don’t think it will. Not only has Houston’s Deshaun Watson emerged as the AFC South’s best quarterback in his early three-year NFL career, but he’s also made a name for himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Two Pro Bowl nominations in your first two complete seasons as a full-time starter will help you build a reputation as a top-tier quarterback, but Watson has proven himself worthy of that Pro Bowl title. Back-to-back seasons with 26 touchdown passes while sticking in the league’s top 10 in completion percentage and it’s clear to see that Watson fits the bill as a cornerstone passer.
But Watson’s skill set doesn’t end with his throwing ability. Lamar Jackson has kind of made us forget what kinds of rushing numbers are expected for a mobile quarterback, but Watson’s 964 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground over the last two seasons are impressive. Maybe even more impressive, however, is what his mobility means for his passing. Watson’s ability to extend the play through his knack for navigating in the pocket is truly what makes him a special player.
One of the most accurate and dynamic athletes at the quarterback position, Watson has been a thorn in the side of Titans fans for the last three years. And not for nothing, but the Texans also have a capable backup quarterback in AJ McCarron. Houston might not have a complete roster, but their quarterback play is going to make them a problem in the AFC South for years to come.