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Tom Savage Benched, DeShaun Watson Makes NFL Debut

It may have taken only one half of football for the DeShaun Watson Era to begin in Houston.

NFL: Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien has inserted DeShaun Watson at quarterback to start the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Texans starting quarterback Tom Savage was atrocious in the first half behind a porous Houston offensive line. Savage was 7-for-13 for 62 yards and fumbled the ball twice, one of which was returned for a touchdown. He was also sacked six times for a loss of 33 yards.

The Texans traded up to select Watson with the 12th overall pick in 2017 NFL Draft. Watson led the Clemson Tigers to the 2016 National Championship.

Watson immediately led the Texans on a 75-yard drive in his first outing, connecting with DeAndre Hopkins for a four-yard touchdown connection. With Watson under center, the Texans collected more yards of offense in one drive than they did in an entire half with Savage.

The final nail in the coffin for Savage was his inability to get the ball out quickly or take advantage of open field in front of him with his legs.

It may have been sooner than expected, but let the DeShaun Watson Era begin.