Deshaun Watson still giving Alabama DL nightmares

When Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen was asked his advice to Auburn as it prepares for its season opener against Clemson, he was succinct.

“Contain Deshaun Watson.”

Allen remembers the 2016 National Championship game. While the Crimson Tide came out a 45-40 winner, he left the encounter with a profound respect for the Clemson junior quarterback.

“He’s easily the best player, quarterback-wise, I’ve played,” said Allen at SEC Football Media Days.

While the Crimson Tide won the game, Watson was the standout. He completed 30 of 47 passes for 405 yards and four touchdowns while being intercepted once. He also rushed 20 times for 73 yards.

“Man, just his ability to elude pressure. His accuracy on the run,” said Allen. “I’ve never seen anything like that. That’s no shot at any other quarterback. He was just an outstanding talent and I have to give him credit.

“That was very disappointing as a defense. You want to win, but you want to win a 10-7 game. We’re happy we won, but that’s one of the things I’m disappointed about.”

Allen doesn’t believe the Crimson Tide played “Alabama” defense against the Tigers. That doesn’t take away from his regard for the Watson, however.

“There are definitely things we could have done to contain him better,” he said. “But a player that is on his game like that, it is very hard to contain or stop him. All props to him.”

This story was originally published July 16, 2016 at 9:50 PM.