Tag: T.J. Watt

Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt named midseason DPOY by Pro Football Network

T.J. Watt’s sack numbers are down but he’s still a game wrecker.

It’s been a rollercoaster season for Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt. Despite his sack numbers being down due to opposing offenses committing two and three players to stop Watt on every play, Watt is still one of the most disruptive players in the NFL.

Adam Beasley of Pro Football Network handed out his midseason awards and despite Watt having the seventh-most sacks in the NFL this season was still his Defensive Player of the Year.

Here’s what Beasley had to say about the choice.

And Watt has been a one-man game-wrecker. His four forced fumbles (in nine games) lead the league. His 10 tackles for loss are tied for seventh. Watt also has two recovered fumbles and has three passes defensed.

If Watt gets the honor this year, it will be an upset for sure. DPOY is typically reserved for the guys with big numbers, especially sacks or interceptions. Right now Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson leads the league with 11 and New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is second in the NFL with nine.

We all know Watt has the potential to string together games with multiple sacks and get right back into the hunt but offensive coordinators are going out of their way to minimize his impact.

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PFN gives midseason award nod to Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt was named Defensive Player of the Year in Pro Football Network’s 2024 NFL Midseason Awards.

T.J. Watt is a household name to NFL fans, regardless of allegiance. Watt’s mind-blowing play since entering the league in 2017 has earned him several prestigious awards, including AP’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and AFC Defensive Player of the Week (8).

On the heels of fans naming Watt DPOY in Fox NFL’s Midseason Awards, he’s bagged the title in Pro Football Network’s Midseason Awards.

There’s no argument to be made that Watt hasn’t been a game-changer for the Steelers’ defense through 10 games, proving once again why he’s one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers. While his sack numbers (6.5) are down from what we’re accustomed to seeing, Watt’s relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks and unmatched ability to disrupt plays continue to anchor Pittsburgh’s defense, making it one of the toughest in the league. Watt’s explosive speed off the edge has garnered a second-best 18 QB hits.

Beyond the stats, Watt’s presence on the field has been crucial for Pittsburgh, as he draws double teams that open up chances for other players like Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Cameron Heyward and now Preston Smith. Watt’s energy and intensity are contagious, elevating the entire defense to a new level. Not only is Watt a nightmare for offensive lines, but he’s also a key reason the Steelers have been able to close out close games and stay in playoff contention.

Watt’s impact this season has been nothing short of elite, reinforcing his role as the heart and soul of Pittsburgh’s defense.

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T.J. Watt’s struggles spark debate: Can the Steelers’ star regain form?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are accustomed to explosive performances from EDGE rusher T.J. Watt, but he’s been less dominant this season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are accustomed to explosive performances from EDGE rusher T.J. Watt on defense. Still, fans and analysts notice a quieter, less dominant presence from the former Defensive Player of the Year this season.

Watt, who earns a hefty $30 million annually, has been unusually quiet in the sack department (12 in 2024), and his recent performance against the Washington Commanders added fuel to the conversation.

“Witness one pass defended, two quarterback hits, zero sacks, and zero tackles,” Mark Madden wrote in his recent TribLive column. “Sure, he’s being double-teamed and held a lot. Too bad. When you make $30 million, plays are required. Not excuses.”

Despite facing heavy blocking schemes designed to limit his impact, Watt’s production has noticeably dropped from his career-best standards. It leads Madden and others to question whether it’s time for him to vary his approach to avoid being too predictable. A defensive force like Watt is expected to find ways to adjust, especially as elite players adapt to changing coverage strategies against them.

The Steelers need Watt at his best as they push toward the playoffs. Whether he can regain his explosive impact and silence critics may be key to the Steelers’ defensive success this season. Fans are watching and waiting for their star to rise again.

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Steelers to face backup OTs vs Commanders

T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith could feast on the Commanders backup offensive tackles.

When the Pittsburgh Steelers square off against the Washington Commanders on Sunday they will be facing a pair of backup offensive tackles. Washington will be minus starting left tackle Cornelius Lucas and starting right tackle Andrew Wylie which should make life easier for Steelers edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.

The Steelers live and die by the pass rush on defense and have to square off against rookie Jayden Daniels. Daniels has been the best rookie in the NFL this season and one of the top quarterbacks due in large part to his ability to run the football. This means despite the advantage the Steelers have on the outside, they must rush the passer with discipline to keep Daniels contained.

 

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NFL Week 10 picks: See who experts are taking in Commanders vs. Steelers today

The experts weigh in on Sunday’s game between the Commanders and Steelers.

The Washington Commanders (7-2) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) on Sunday from Northwest Stadium in arguably the game of the weekend.

The Commanders and Steelers come into Week 10 riding high on three-game winning streaks. However, Pittsburgh has an advantage, coming off a bye and heading into this game healthy.

Meanwhile, the NFC East-leading Commanders are banged up. Running back Brian Robinson Jr., offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas, cornerback Marshon Lattimore and kicker Austin Seibert are out. Additionally, long snapper Tyler Ott and right tackle Andrew Wylie are questionable. All indications are Ott and Wylie will play.

Washington is a 2.5-point favorite over Pittsburgh, but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has a 13-4 record off bye weeks.

So, who has the advantage?

According to NFL Pickwatch, the experts have weighed in, with 58% of the picks coming for the Commanders.

Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels will have his hands full against a Pittsburgh defense led by T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen and Cameron Heyward. Will Daniels pull off more magic to lead the Commanders to their fourth straight win?

Both teams run the ball well, and whichever team runs the ball the best on Sunday will likely emerge as the winner.

Fans name Steelers LB T.J. Watt NFL’s Midseason DPOY

Pittsburgh Steelers’ future Hall of Fame linebacker T.J. Watt was named the 2024 Midseason Defensive Player of the Year by Fox. 

You voted and your voices were heard. Pittsburgh Steelers’ future Hall of Fame linebacker T.J. Watt was named the 2024 Midseason Defensive Player of the Year by Fox.

Since joining the Steelers via the 30th pick of the 2017 NFL draft, Watt has easily been the most impactful player on defense.

The fan-voted award is just another notch in Watt’s campaign belt as he strives to earn the most sought-after title in the NFL: Defensive Player of the Year.

Watt, Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021 season, finished last year with a league-leading 19.0 sacks.

Through eight games, Watt has 6.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss and a league-leading four forced fumbles.

Coming off their Week 9 bye, the Steelers are set to take on Jayden Daniels and the red-hot Washington Commanders in Landover on Sunday. Watt will have something to say about Washington’s three-game win streak. Since drafting elite pass-rusher, Pittsburgh is 10-2 vs. rookie quarterbacks.


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Trade Deadline: Grading the Steelers acquisition of OLB Preston Smith

Steelers trade a 2025 7th-round pick for Preston Smith, adding veteran power to their defense. How does this move grade out?

Teams throughout the NFL better watch out; there’s a new terrifying trio of edge rushers coming to sack their quarterback. Steelers’ outside linebackers T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and the newly acquired Preston Smith form arguably the greatest edge-rushing unit in the NFL today.

Smith was recently acquired at the 2024 NFL trade deadline when the Pittsburgh Steelers traded a 2025 seventh-round draft pick to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for his talents in the Steel City.

Pittsburgh General Manager Omar Khan had recently helped facilitate a trade to acquire WR Mike Williams from the New York Jets, which received a solid B grade here at Steelers Wire. But what about the acquisition of Smith?

The 31-year-old former Packers OLB provides quality starting experience behind Watt and Highsmith, as Smith has started 138 games since entering the league in 2015. Smith has accumulated 68.5 sacks over this period and comes to Pittsburgh in what can only be described as a bargain sale in Green Bay.

For only a 2025 seventh-round draft pick given up for Smith, Khan and the Steelers’ front office receive an A+ grade for the trade.

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Is T.J. Watt’s dominant start foreshadowing another D.P.O.Y award?

T.J. Watt’s 2024 campaign showcases dominance, aiming for his second D.P.O.Y. award with elite performances in his 8 games played.

T.J. Watt continues to prove week in and week out that he is a force to be reckoned with for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Whether he is sacking the quarterback, forcing a fumble, or stuffing the run, one thing remains certain—Watt is inevitable.

Watt’s 2024 resume speaks for itself. Through 8 games played, his four forced fumbles are tied for first, his ten tackles for loss are tied for second, his nine QB hits are tied for fifth, and his six and a half sacks are tied for ninth.

The former 2021 D.P.O.Y. winner is looking to build on this fantastic statistical output and put together an undeniable campaign to win the illustrious award for a second time.

DraftKings currently has Watt as the odds-on favorite to win the award through nine weeks, ahead of elite defenders such as Kansas City Chiefs’ DT Chris Jones, New York Giants’ DT Dexter Lawrence, Houston Texans’ EDGE Will Anderson Jr., and Detroit Lions Safety Kerby Joseph.

Can Watt achieve his second D.P.O.Y. award in 2024, or will his efforts result in him being snubbed once again?

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Bill Belichick includes 4 Steelers in his midseason best

4 Steelers make Belichick’s midseason team.

When it comes to evaluating talent, there are few who can claim to be as good as Bill Belichick. Belichick is one of the greatest head coaches in NFL history and he has six Super Bowls as a head coach to back it up. He also won two more as the defensive coordinator of the New York Giants.

So when Belichick put together his midseason All-Belichick team, we paid attention. We paid even closer attention when we realized he put four members of the Pittsburgh Steelers on the list.

On defense, Belichick included defensive tackle Cam Heyward and outside linebacker T.J. Watt on the list. Heyward has returned from an injury last season, got himself a big new contract and is playing like a young player once again. As for Watt, he’s once again a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year.

Belichick also gave props to the Steelers special teams. He put safety Miles Killebrew, who is perhaps the best kick blocker in the NFL and kicker Chris Boswell on the team. Boswell has been the team’s most reliable scoring threat in Pittsburgh for years and this season is no different. Boswell is averaging 10.6 points per game and the team is averaging 23.4 points per game.

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Giants’ Jermaine Eluemunor claims victory over T.J. Watt

New York Giants RT Jermaine Eluemunor believes he locked T.J. Watt down on Monday night: “He didn’t do a damn thing.”

New York Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor has been a colorful interviewee since signing with the club in free agency this past offseason.

This week, he may have gone a bit too far with his opinions after the Giants’ 26-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night.

Leading up to the game, Eluemunor, who was nursing a hip injury, had his competency questioned as he prepared to face Steelers All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt.

Eluemunor answered those critics by saying that he had faced Watt before and was ready for the challenge.

“I want to be on an island with T.J. Watt all day,” Eluemunor told reporters last week.

The game, naturally, told a different story. Although Eluemunor played fairly well in the game, Watt was able to wreck the Giants’ hopes with two second-half sacks and a fumble recovery to help pin a loss on the Big Blue.

Eluemunor, in his spot on WFAN radio on Tuesday, believes he still got the better of Watt on the evening.

“I was on an island with him for a majority of the game. And he didn’t do a damn thing. I’m not gonna sit here and fricking sing his praises,” Eluemunor told hosts Sal Licata and Brandon Tierney.  “He didn’t do anything for three-and-half quarters and had one impact play.”

Yes, but that one impact play is the one people will remember. As we all know, offensive linemen only get shoutouts when they mess up.

Watt took the situation in stride and didn’t address Eluemunor by name.

“I mean, I have a lot of respect for every single player in the NFL,” he said. “Everybody works hard, and I’m just trying to get my opportunities when I get ’em and make the most of ’em when they happen.”

Watt’s official line on the night: six pressures, 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. All were impactful as the Giants’ offense sputtered again.

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