Joe Theismann on Texans' Deshaun Watson: 'More accurate, faster, elusive than Cam Newton'

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) calls out a play at the line against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game at NRG Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Houston. less Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) calls out a play at the line against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game at NRG Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, ... more Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 149 Caption Close Joe Theismann on Texans' Deshaun Watson: 'More accurate, faster, elusive than Cam Newton' 1 / 149 Back to Gallery

When Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson was a rookie, he transformed a moribund offense into the highest-scoring operation in the NFL.

Although it was only a six-game span, Watson tossed 19 touchdown passes. He was on pace to finish the season with 43 touchdowns.

Now, even more is expected from Watson in his second NFL season.

"I think he has a chance to be MVP of the league this year," former quarterback Joe Theismann said in a telephone interview. "I thought he was off to a terrific start last year. He has a rare combination of athleticism and ability to work from the pocket.

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"He's more accurate than Cam Newton, faster than Cam Newton, more elusive than Cam Newton."

Theismann anticipaites a big leap in improvement in Watson with the defense getting back J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus from injuries, plus the addition of Tyrann Mathieu.

"You look at Deshaun's body of work and I think he'll be more judicious with the football in terms of cutting down interception and he'll still throw touchdowns. This is a darn good defensive football team. A couple of years ago, they would have beat the Patriots if they had a quarterback.

"Houston has become one of three or four teams in the AFC that have a chance to go all the way along with New England and the Jags. They all have a chance to go to the game game. Deshaun and the defense makes the Texans a real contender."