Kevin Stefansky plays down Deshaun Watson’s disappointing show

USA Today Sports

For the first time since early January 2021, quarterback Deshaun Watson I played football on Friday night. In three series, he completed one of five passes for seven yards.

Coach Kevin Stefanski evaluates the performance at a post-match press conference.

“I think he might want some throws,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, playing football for the first time in a while, I thought it was important to go out with his teammates in that scheme, just hear a different sound in the helmet, that kind of thing. I’m sure he got butterflies and nervous early on. But I think he understands. That there is work to be done.”

Stefanski said he did not believe the off-field drama of Watson’s case was affecting his performance. Stefanski also played down the idea that not playing with other novices was a factor.

“They had a bunch of guys who don’t play either,” Stefanski said. “So I don’t look at that much. It’s just – you know, it’s our first game there. And I think you can tell. You know, I think Jacksonville had one game in it. So for us, just to get rid of some rust and then come back.” To work “.

Stefanksi remained apt until he was annoyed about the situation with Watson.

“I think that was important for him to get out there in the playing environment, under the spotlight, with his new teammates and get to work,” Stefanski said. “It wouldn’t be perfect. And even if it was perfect, you can’t overreact either. So I think that was all part of the progress for him.”

Regarding the apology Watson unexpectedly issued before the match, Stefansky seemed to welcome it.

“I’ve been at Deshawn now for a few months, and I know he wants to grow,” Stefanski said. “I know he does. And that’s personally. This is professionally. And I think he’s very, very serious about doing it. And I think that’s part of the next step for him.”

It’s a step too late than it should be, frankly. Much could have been avoided if Watson had admitted his behavior and made real adjustments when the allegations were first made. If it had people around him who spoke with facts instead of circling around in wagons, this would probably have happened.

Account always comes. The question is whether it is embraced or resisted. The longer it resists, the worse it gets in the end.