Tag: T.J. Watt

One insider offers scary thought on T.J. Watt

The Steelers have some huge contract decisions to make this offseason.

Ever since the Pittsburgh Steelers selected T.J. Watt in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft, his trajectory has been nothing but up. Aside from one season hampered by injury, he’s been one fo the best defensive players in the NFL from the jump.

This is why the next offseason could be huge for Watt and the Steelers. Watt will be heading into the final year of his huge four-year, $112 million contract. Watt just turned 30 and is showing no signs of slowing down. So he will be the team’s top offseason priority, right?

Maybe not. According to Steelers beat writer Gerry Dulac, he doesn’t believe re-signing Watt will be a top Steelers priority.

 

This could be a situation similar to how the Steelers handled Cameron Heyward and his new contract in the past offseason. Pittsburgh and Heyward worked out a deal both sides were happy with but they took it right to the wire. Pittsburgh has some big contract decisions to make this offseason including two at quarterback and one at running back. We can certainly see where Watt’s contract falls behind those, especially with Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig playing so well.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

PFF argues Cam Heyward deserves more 2024 DPOY recognition

35 year old DT Cam Heyward’s case for DPOY in 2024 gains traction, thanks to his incredible production in 2024.

Not only is DT Cam Heyward seemingly unable to age, but he is also putting together one of his best seasons to date at 35 years old. In what can only be described as a similar situation to Benjamin Button, Pro Football Focus has taken notice of Heyward’s dominance in 2024.

The ever-polarizing PFF has typically been unkind to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but no one can deny Heyward’s phenomenal start to the season. Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus argued that Heyward’s case for Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 isn’t so far-fetched.

Locker stated that Heyward’s consideration for the award is based on his production for his age and his ability to excel against both the pass and the run: “In fact, Heyward is one of two NFL defenders to have a 90.0-plus pass-rushing and 80.0-plus run-defense grade, joining Lions safety Brian Branch.”

If Heyward can continue his excellence through the final four games of the Steelers’ season, should he be considered over Watt for the award? While prestigious, one can assume Heyward would prefer a different trophy in 2024: a Lombardi.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

LOOK: Steelers deploy four former Badgers on defensive line vs. Browns

LOOK: Steelers deploy four former Badgers on defensive line vs. Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line looked awfully familiar for Wisconsin Badgers fans on Sunday.

For a few sequences in the 27-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers deployed former Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton, defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk, and linebackers Nick Herbig and T.J. Watt on the front four.

While all four playmakers have contributed to the Steelers’ defense during virtually every game this season, the foursome rarely lines up on the same snap. Both Watt and Benton start for Pittsburgh, Herbig serves as Alex Highsmith’s backup at strong-side linebacker and Loudermilk rotates in behind Larry Ogunjobi.

Another connection between the four UW alumni revolves around their time at Wisconsin. All four players suited up at Camp Randall under former Badger head coach Paul Chryst from 2015-22.

Here’s a look at the four former Badgers gearing up for a few snaps together on Sunday:

Watt, as he tends to do, impacted the contest with a pair of quarterback hits and a tackle for loss. Loudermilk pitched in with a tackle, and Benton snagged his first career interception in the win over Jameis Winston’s Browns.

With the win, the Steelers now move to 10-3 on the season with four contests remaining on the 2024 season. Their next match — a Dec. 15 showdown with the 11-2 Philadelphia Eagles.

Steelers fans would never guess what’s fueling defensive takeaways

The Steelers lead the NFL in turnovers is fueled by an unexpected motivator: T-shirts handed out to defenders for creating takeaways.

With athletes in today’s sports making upwards of $50 million per year, what could possibly still motivate them? It could be a mix of motivations—like building a legacy, chasing a championship, or even something as simple as… a T-shirt? You read that right. ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor wrote an intriguing article describing how the Pittsburgh Steelers defense is motivated by earning T-shirts for creating turnovers.

Pryor explained how Steelers outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin hands out T-shirts with phrases like “The Culture” and “Takeaways” printed on the front. These shirts are awarded individually to players involved in takeaways, such as OLB Preston Smith, who recovered a fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13. Smith described how the defense is going crazy over the shirts and how this simple idea has been incredibly effective in giving players extra motivation.

With the Steelers leading the NFL with 25 turnovers, perhaps the other 31 teams should try handing out clothing items. Minkah Fitzpatrick could snag his first turnover T-shirt with an interception against Jameis Winston and the Browns in Week 14.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Playoff losses a ‘huge thorn in my side’ for Steelers LB T.J. Watt

The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game during T.J. Watt’s career.

Going all the way back to his rookie season in 2017, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has established himself as one of the best all-around defensive players in the NFL. He has been the cornerstone of the Steelers defense for years and will go down in history as one of the best players in franchise history.

One thing that has eluded Watt during his career is postseason success. In fact, the Steelers have never won a playoff game with Watt on the team. This is something Watt takes very personal. He talked about it in an interview and was candid about the team’s playoff woes.

“I’m just trying to win games and get to the playoffs and have my first playoff win,” Watt said. “It has been a huge thorn in my side since I’ve been here.”

Watt and the Steelers have a great chance to break that winless streak this season. Pittsburgh is 9-3 and in the lead in the AFC North. They are currently the No. 3 seed in the AFC and look like legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

[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]

Bengals fans come after T.J. Watt calling him dirty for sack

Was T.J. Watt’s sack on Joe Burrow a dirty play?

There is plenty of bad blood between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals. Both teams have been on the wrong end of some nasty hits which typically stirs up the fanbase. But sometimes nothing bad happens at all and it’s just about bitter fans venting after their team loses.

This is the case in the replies to his post by former NFL player Brian Baldnger that was intended to praise Steelers edge T.J. Watt. Instead the replies turned into a bunch of angry fans calling for Watt’s head for his gator roll sacks of Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow.

There was nothing dirty about this play but this has never stopped fans from complaining. The league protects its quarterbacks over all else so if the officials didn’t see fit to throw a flag, it’s a safe bet nothing was wrong with the sack.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt quiets critics with performance vs. Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt has faced criticism for not consistently delivering the explosive performances fans have come to expect.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has faced criticism this season for not consistently delivering the explosive performances fans have come to expect. But in Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Watt silenced his critics with a peak-performance game.

Dominant display by T.J. Watt against the Bengals

In the Steelers’ 44-38 victory over the Bengals, Watt was a disruptive force on defense, recording two sacks, five solo tackles, and a forced fumble.

Watt now has 106 career sacks, surpassing Jared Allen (105) for the third-most by a player in his first eight seasons since 1982. According to NFL345, only Reggie White (124) and DeMarcus Ware (111) have more.

T.J. Watt responds to season-long critiques

Throughout the 2024 season, Watt has been under scrutiny for a perceived decline in performance. Analysts noted his lower sack numbers over previous years and questioned his impact on the field. Some suggested that opposing teams had figured out how to neutralize him, leading to debates about his effectiveness and value.

T.J. Watt proves doubters wrong

Watt’s performance against the Bengals served as a direct response to his detractors. He delivered a game-changing display and reminded everyone of his elite status among NFL defenders. This game boosted his season statistics and reaffirmed his role as a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense.

With this resurgence, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Watt can maintain this high level of play throughout the remainder of the season. Consistency will be key for silencing critics and solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier defensive players.

Watt’s Week 13 performance against the Bengals was a powerful rebuttal to criticism this season, showcasing his ability to dominate and influence the game’s outcome.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

T.J. Watt prioritizes Super Bowl win over D.P.O.Y award in 2024

T.J. Watt emphasizes team success over individual accolades, staying focused on helping the Steelers win huge games in 2024.

DE Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns appears to be focusing on the wrong trophy in 2024. Garrett made a bold claim following Cleveland’s victory over the Steelers in Week 12, proclaiming that the Defensive Player of the Year award runs through him in 2024. However, former 2021 D.P.O.Y. winner T.J. Watt isn’t taking the bait.

While speaking during the team’s media availability on Friday, Watt was asked if Garrett’s comments had bothered him. Concerned only with adding victories to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ win column, Watt answered as only a true professional would: “Like I said all year long, I’m worried about the Pittsburgh Steelers being the best team at the best time.” He went on to recognize Garrett as a fantastic player but made it clear he isn’t focused on his D.P.O.Y. standings in 2024: “That’s what I’m not focused on this year at all, so it’s all about the Pittsburgh Steelers and winning as many games as we can in the right moments.”

Watt will have the opportunity to help his team improve to 9-3 on the season when the Steelers take on the Bengals in Week 13 on December 1st at 1:00 PM EST.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

T.J. Watt offers up perfect analogy for issues at OLB

T.J. Watt needs to rally his fellow outside linebackers this week.

Despite all the hype, the Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacking unit hasn’t lived up to the billing for much of the 2024 season. This should never be the case with guys like T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig in the lineup. Nevertheless, it’s been the case and Watt acknowledges it. And he offered up the perfect analogy for what’s been going wrong and how to fix it.

Watt said the outside linebacker room can’t be “four or five independent contractors” and instead have to work as a unit. All great things to focus on if the Steelers want get the pass rush back on track.

 

On the season, Watt has 7.5 sacks. Next up among the outside linebackers is Nick Herbig with only 3.5. Pittsburgh’s struggles start and stop with its ability to rush the passer off the edge. This week the Steelers prepare to take on Cincinnati Bengals and that means trying to slow down quarterback Joe Burrow, who is playing at a very high level.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]