Tag: forced fumbles

T.J. Watt hits Steelers milestone in Week 15 matchup vs Eagles

T.J. Watt tied James Harrison’s Steelers record for forced fumbles, inching closer to becoming the franchise’s all-time leader.

You don’t tug on Superman’s cape, you don’t spit in the wind, and you shouldn’t let T.J. Watt anywhere near an opposing quarterback. Despite suffering an apparent ankle injury in Pittsburgh’s Week 15 loss to the Eagles, Watt once again etched his name among all-time Steelers legends by tying the record for most forced fumbles in team history.

Toward the end of the first quarter, Watt made a huge splash play by punching the football out of Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts’ arms, earning his 33rd career forced fumble in the process.

Watt is now tied with Steelers legend James Harrison, but at this stage of his career, surpassing Harrison is practically a matter of when, not if.

If Watt is healthy enough to play in what may be the most important game of the Steelers’ season so far—the AFC North showdown against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16—fans should have their eyes glued to his immaculate ability to knock footballs loose.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers’ T.J. Watt-Nick Herbig tandem lead NFL in one incredible statistic

Watt and Herbig dominate the NFL in forced fumbles, showcasing the Steelers’ success in drafting elite Badger edge rushers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers know how to draft Badger edge rushers. The Black and Gold’s Wisconsin alumni, OLBs T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig, are currently wrecking opposing offensive lines. An important statistic proves their success: the duo leads the entirety of the NFL in forced fumbles.

Watt and Herbig currently hold the first and second spots for most forced fumbles in the NFL, with five and four forced fumbles respectively. Combined, the edge-rushing tandem leads all other duos at their position with an impressive nine forced fumbles.

One incredible feat for fans to consider is that although Herbig is only one forced fumble away from being tied with Watt for the top spot, he has started seven fewer games than the 2021 D.P.O.Y.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MLFootball (@_mlfootball)

How will the inevitable return of OLB Alex Highsmith factor into the Wisconsin alumni edge-rushing tandem? Watt’s versatility in Week 13, which saw him line up all over the defense, could allow Highsmith and Herbig to play alongside him, creating an unstoppable Steelers pass rush.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Is T.J. Watt running away with the Defensive Player of the Year race?

After two-forced fumbles and a dominant Week 6 performance overall, is T.J Watt running away with the D.P.O.Y race?

The wounds of the ‘Steel City’ faithful haven’t quite healed since T.J. Watt was snubbed for Defensive Player of the Year last season. To make matters worse, the award went to perhaps the most disliked man in all of Pittsburgh—Myles Garrett. Garrett’s impact on the Browns’ defense couldn’t be denied, but he was voted the 2023 D.P.O.Y with stats that, if Watt had produced them, Steelers fans would have considered it a down year. 

Fast forward to the current season, and Watt finds himself in a similar position—lower-than-usual sack numbers but dominant performances week in and week out. He’s currently in the top fifteen for sacks and leads this group of pass rushers in tackles. Watt also ranks in the top five for tackles for loss and is tied for first in quarterback hits, while also second in forced fumbles.

If Garrett won his award for being a game-wrecker in 2023, then Watt should absolutely be considered the favorite to win in 2024, as his presence on the field allows the defense not only to force turnovers but also to take over the game entirely. 

 [lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Chiefs Trent McDuffie leads NFL DBs in forced fumbles through Week 9

Second-year #Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie leads all NFL defensive backs in forced fumbles through Week 9.

The Kansas City Chiefs have a stud on their hands in defensive back Trent McDuffie. The second-year phenom has played outstanding football to this point in the season and is the NFL’s leader in forced fumbles among defensive backs through Week 9.

His forced fumble that led to an insane touchdown against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday helped lift Kansas City to victory. With eight games left on the Chiefs’ 2023 schedule, McDuffie should be expected to continue showcasing his stellar abilities in the secondary.

Kansas City needed help in the defensive backfield after falling short in its 2021 campaign. General manager Brett Veach used one of the picks he acquired from the Tyreek Hill trade to select McDuffie in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, and while the Chiefs have an ongoing need for more help at receiver, the cornerback’s standout play has been worth every bit of the investment it took to get him.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Seahawks have 2 players among league leaders in forced fumbles

The Seahawks have several surprise standout rookies this year.

The Seahawks have several surprise standout rookies this year. A lot of the attention has gone to cornerback Tariq Woolen, who already looks like a star and currently leads the NFL in interceptions.

Fellow rookie corner Coby Bryant hasn’t shined quite as bright, but he has found one niche: forcing fumbles. Heading into Week 7 Bryant leads the league in this stat. Here’s everybody who has at least two forced fumbles so far this season.