O'Brien did say he simplified certain things recently. I think B'OB decided to go back to what he was doing the first 7 Watson starts and expand on that from what Watson has learned since then. What you see now is O'Brien maximizing Watson talents using the Read Option elements, putting the game in Watson's hands. Just because you simplify things, doesn't mean the QB can't handle the offense. I think he simplified things OTHERS on the offense were doing. The WR/TE routes have changed. The blocking schemes have changed. What the RBs are doing has changed.
Watson is still making multiple reads, however, you do notice how fast he moving to the check down option and getting the ball out of his hands.
I'd like to read his quote in context. Not doubting you, but just curious about the rest of the interview.
There was an article just posted with direct quotes from Watson about them adding plays based on film study. It certainly appeared in that article that Watson is getting more and more on his plate as he continues to grow into this offensive scheme. New England's version of the EP (they way they've modified) requires a high degree of mental processing, and according to those in the know, this is the scheme O'Brien is using.
Perhaps the simplified context is for the other players, like you said. Make it easier for them to adapt, while giving Watson more power to change and counter the defense in real time pre-snap.
I've had similar things happen like that with my kids …. hell , mine grew up in a cul de sac that was like a melting pot …. white , black , Hispanic , indian , native American , Cuban , Argentinean , Vietnamese and Korean kids all playing together pretty much every day , they don't know the hate that we saw as kids.
I feel pretty fortunate to have picked this spot to call home …
Yep. My cul de sac is the same. What we've tried to teach my kids is character and honesty is what really matters, not superficial differences.
We all bleed red at the end of the day, and we all work for green.
To me , it really has nothing to do with his "intelligence".
Its about vision and processing that almost instantaneously into a decision.
I really think the term "intelligence" is misused in this discussion.
I agree with your take, but there has been some shade thrown toward Watson questioning his intelligence and "dumbing down" the playbook.
Vision and processing is certainly a more apt description, simply because every young QB has to adjust to the NFL and that learning curve is different for every player until the game slows down for them. Some never adjust, but we're not talking about Manziel here.