Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt is one of the best players in the entire NFL regardless of position. He constantly helps put the team in position to win games and he did so again this past weekend against the Los Angeles Rams.
In the third quarter with the Steelers trailing 9-3, Watt made one of his patented momentum-swinging plays. He intercepted Matthew Stafford, setting the Pittsburgh offense up at the seven-yard line. Three plays later, Kenny Pickett ran a quarterback sneak to give the black and gold a 10-9 lead.
That was the seventh interception in Watt’s career, subsequently putting himself in rarified air. To go along with his interceptions, he has recorded 85.5 sacks as he is in Year 7 of his NFL career. Since 1982, the only other player to reach those milestones in their first seven seasons is New York Giants‘ legendary linebacker, Lawrence Taylor.
There are many people who believe Taylor is the greatest defensive player to ever step on the field. Opponents feared him as he was one of the most dominant players to play the game. Similarly to Watt, whenever his team needed a play, Taylor would step up and make it.
Watt is a special player that helped the Steelers pick up a 24-17 road victory on Sunday afternoon. His interception was something that surprised everyone on Los Angeles, as they didn’t expect him to be in a position to create a turnover like that.
“Bottom line is that we had hitches on the outside for a little option route from the three spot and seams at the two spot,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said. “We obviously thought it was going to be a single high. Steelers CB Levi Wallace rolled up as a cloud and got WR Cooper (Kupp) working an option on the mike and you don’t feel that overlap from the hook player when (Steelers LB T.J.) Wat] ended up dropping out of there and that’s what led to the turnover.”
Watt isn’t renowned for his coverage skills, but the scheme was one that confused the Rams and led to a big play for the Steelers’ defense. He is a legitimate difference maker as his presence alone elevates the performance of his teammates around him.
