J.J. Watt

Cross-checked the Texans' greatest-plays archive, official accounts of Watt's playoff and 2014 MVP-caliber performances, defensive records, and verified Athlore box scores. The five start with the franchise-changing playoff play, then use his two 20-sack seasons and three different kinds of 2014 touchdown to represent his unprecedented range.

1. #1. In the first playoff game in Texans history, rookie Watt intercepted Andy Dalton at the line and returned it 29 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, changing the game and launching his national reputation. Texans: Watt recalls the franchise-changing playoff pick-six · Texans: J.J. Watt's greatest plays
2. #2. Watt recorded two sacks, forced and recovered a fumble, generated six quarterback hits, and caught a touchdown—the fifth score of his extraordinary 2014 season—as Houston beat Tennessee 45–21. Texans: Watt's complete performance against Tennessee
3. #3. Watt read a screen, intercepted EJ Manuel, and ran 80 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, adding five tackles and nine quarterback hits in one of the defining plays of his 2014 peak. Texans: Watt's 80-yard pick-six against Buffalo
4. #4. Watt made seven tackles and two sacks, then recovered an Andrew Luck fumble and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown, nearly completing Houston's comeback against Indianapolis. Texans: J.J. Watt's greatest plays
5. #5. Watt produced three sacks and five tackles in a Thanksgiving overtime win at Detroit, reaching 14.5 sacks during the first of his two Defensive Player of the Year seasons with 20.5. Texans: J.J. Watt's greatest plays

Reviewed through 2026-08-11