Solid first pro outing for Texans’ rookie QB Watson … The NFL’s regular pre-season schedule kicked off last night with Carolina defeating Houston 27-17. Despite the loss, Houston officials were pretty upbeat about the performance of rookie QB DeShaun Watson who looked poised and confident in his first pro game. Watson, who was last seen on a football field leading Clemson to a win over Alabama in last year’s national championship game, completed 15 of 25 passes for 179 yards and also scored on a 15-yard run to highlight an efficient evening. The only downside for Watson was that he was sacked three times. Watson, whom the Texans acquired after trading up to the 12th pick with Cleveland, is in a battle with veteran journeyman Tom Savage for the starting job in Houston. Right now Savage appears to have a slight edge, but it is only a matter of time until Watson takes over. Meanwhile, two other top young QBs make their pro debuts later this evening among 7 other NFL pre-season games. Mitch Trubisky, whom Chicago selected with the 2nd overall pick this past April, will be on the field when the Bears host Denver, while DeShone Kizer, who is part of a three-man battle for the Browns’ starting position along with veterans Brock Osweiler and Cody Kessler, gets his chance when Cleveland entertains Denver. In that game, Cleveland DE Myles Garrett, the first player selected at this year’s draft, makes his pro debut.
