Choose Wisely: Deshaun Watson Or Alex Smith In 2017?

Deep in the bowels of the NFL offseason, I bring you another question to debate, intrepid reader of BRB.

Over the past season or three, I’ve heard and read more than one Texans fan opine something to the effect of, “If the Texans just got average quarterback play, they’d be a legitimate Super Bowl contender!” Indeed, many of you may feel the same way as the team steels itself to enter the 2017 season. That is, if the Texans can manage to simply squeeze mediocrity out from under center this season, Houston has a chance to make some real noise in the NFL Playoffs.

Let’s put that notion to the test. Behind Door #1, I give you Alex Smith. He’s a perfectly cromulent NFL quarterback. He’ll never be confused with Aaron Rodgers, but he’ll also never be slandered as 2016 Brock Osweiler.

Behind Door #2 is Deshaun Watson. Clemson’s championship-winning QB could be the solution to what has ailed the Texans since 2013. Or not. There’s no way to know just yet.

The query is this, fellow Texans fanatic: Given the choice between having a quarterback with a lower ceiling but proven production (in this case, Alex Smith), or a quarterback with great potential but zero NFL pedigree (in this case, Deshaun Watson), who would you rather have as the Texans’ starting quarterback in 2017?

Note that this question is limited to only 2017, as any number of factors could deservedly affect the analysis in seasons moving forward. Vote in the poll below and justify your love in the Comments.