J.J. Watt certainly had his Wheaties Sunday morning. And then some.
While the Houston Texans defensive game changer always looks like a man possessed, he took it to another level against the Buffalo Bills. Non quarterbacks aren't supposed to be able to completely take over games single handedly in today's pass happy NFL. Then again, there's never been a modern non quarterback quite like Justin James Watt.
Watt completely wrecked a Buffalo Bills team that rolled into NRG Stadium and right through the first half feeling good about itself.
He lived in the Bills' backfield in as dominant a first half as you'll ever, racking up six quarterback hits in six Buffalo possessions. But that still wasn't enough to give the Texans the lead. So Watt did more.
If the Texans can keep winning under first-year NFL coach Bill O'Brien, it's now inconceivable that Watt won't be an MVP front runner.
He jumped into EJ Manuel's passing lane and plucked the football out of the air four plays into the second half. Watt didn't just get the ball. He returned it 80 yards for a touchdown, completely turning a game the Bills appeared ready to secure a stranglehold on upside down. Watt never came close to getting touched, let alone caught, on his 80-yard sprint. Manuel gave chase but had no chance.
Remember, this is a 6-foot-5, 290-pound defensive lineman. The usual rules just don't apply to J.J. Watt.
The Did-You-See-That-Play brought back memories of the insanely athletic Pick-6 in that playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals that first put Watt on the national map. It also should thrust him into the NFL MVP discussion — with this 23-17 win over the Bills just the latest and most blinding exhibit.
Yes, the one-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year deserves to considered with all those quarterbacks the NFL worships and makes special rules to protect.
If the Texans can keep winning under first-year NFL coach Bill O'Brien, it's now inconceivable that Watt won't be an MVP front runner. The only way this flawed Texans team will keep winning at a playoff clip is if No. 99 keeps making superhuman plays. It's hard to imagine anyone having a bigger impact on a team's fortunes.
J.J. Watt has now caught a touchdown pass at tight end in one win and completely changed another game with an 80-yard Pick-6. And the season's only four weeks old.
While quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick couldn't hide his excitement over facing his former team, screaming that the Texans could follow him to victory in the pregame pump-up huddle, it was Watt who seemed to be playing at another emotional level. He tore into the Bills' backfield again and again. He drew two roughing the passer penalties. He yelled at teammates who weren't in the right place.
Watt almost seemed out of control. Then, he made the most in-control interception you'll ever see. He anticipated a short screen to running back Fred Jackson and reached out and snagged it with the skill of a professional cat burglar.
It turns out the newly-minted $100 Million Man can reach another level. Watt seemed to sense the moment more than anyone. With the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers looming in the next three weeks, it's no stretch to imagine a home loss to Buffalo dooming Houston to a 2-5 tailspin.
Watt would do everything in his power to make sure it didn't happen. And maybe change modern NFL thinking in the process. Not bad for a former Pizza Boy.
Who says quarterbacks rule all?
J.J. Watt was everywhere in the Houston Texans game with the Buffalo Bills. He lived in the Bills backfield, collected two roughing the passer penalties and yelled at teammates.
