By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Texans have found their new GM, and they continued to go back to the Bill Belichick well to pry Nick Caserio from the Patriots. But how does Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson feel about it?
Watson cryptically tweeted “Some things never change…” on Tuesday night, mere hours after reports emerged that the Texans were hiring yet another former Patriots assistant to run their front office. They already have former Patriots character coach Jack Easterby in place as their executive vice president of football operations. And they recently fired ex-Pats offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien as head coach after an ugly 0-4 start to the 2020 season … then installed Romeo Crennel as the interim head coach. So it’s a fair take for Watson…
some things never change....
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) January 6, 2021
The phrase of choice. The ellipsis. The mere fact that the Texans went a solidly mediocre 52-48 under O’Brien and 4-12 last season. It’s not out of line to look at this tweet and feel that Watson isn’t thrilled about the Caserio hire. How could he possibly spin this as being happy about it?
That doesn’t mean the Texans roster is destined to wallow in mediocrity under Caserio. Belichick calls the final shots on the Patriots’ personnel moves, despite Caserio’s heavy involvement in those decisions and bringing them to Belichick’s attention in the first place. Caserio deserves an opportunity to show what he can do when he’s the one pulling the biggest strings.
If Watson needs reassurance on Caserio coming to Houston, he should talk to former Patriots receiver Brandin Cooks. He was asked about Caserio and said: “He’s unbelievable. He’s a special dude. … Just the guy that he is, there’s no ego, he’s all about helping the team.”
MORE: Nick Caserio finally finds a new home as NFL GM
Caserio has a lot to prove now that he’s on his own as Texans GM. Considering where the Patriots’ roster ended up in 2020, Caserio needs to show he can make the right personnel moves in the draft, especially. And he also needs to demonstrate that he can find hidden gems among undrafted players and value among players whose stock had diminished, something that the Patriots have excelled at in recent years with Belichick at the helm.
That’s especially true considering Caserio already has a franchise quarterback to build around. And one who’s probably looking at him with a skeptical eye.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff or send him a nasty email at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.