The Pittsburgh Steelers coming off the bye are welcoming another struggling team, the 3-6 New Orleans Saints to Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. The team will welcome back to the field 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year, TJ Watt, though he hasn’t officially been activated from injured reserve yet.
Saints head coach Dennis Allen highlighted some of what the former Wisconsin Badgers standout edge rusher does well in advance of the clash via Teresa Varley of Steelers.com.
“Number one is he is highly athletic,” Allen said about the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. “He has a really good get off. He doesn't use his speed to power a ton, but when he does, it's highly effective. I think he is extremely intelligent and extremely instinctive. He just has a way of knowing where the ball is. He finds the ball. Generally, when he gets around the ball, he is affecting it in some way, sack fumble, top-down punch out, something of that nature. He is a turnover machine.”
Steelers Need Watt to Elevate Defense
Watt’s importance to Pittsburgh’s pass rush is well documented. The team has finished first or tied for the top spot on the NFL’s sack list since 2017 when he was drafted. Playing without him this season, the team has got to opposing quarterbacks just 15 times in eight games ranking in the bottom echelon of the league.
His impact on the team forcing turnovers is critical. In the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals with the 2017 first-rounder in the lineup, the team forced five turnovers, including Watt grabbing an interception of his own early in the second quarter off Joe Burrow. It led to Pittsburgh’s first touchdown of the season on the next drive with Mitch Trubisky completing a pass to Najee Harris from a yard out.
Since that game, the team has forced just five total turnovers in seven games. The game-breaking ability of the 28-year-old is going to be imperative in the defense getting the ball back for the offense against a Saints team with the worst turnover differential in the league.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Monday, Sept. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Tom Puskar)Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Monday, Sept. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Tom Puskar)
There had been some question for the Saints as to whether it would be familiar former AFC North foe Andy Dalton or Jamies Winston under center after the former had a rough outing in last week’s Monday night clash with the Baltimore Ravens, but Allen confirmed he is not considering a quarterback change.
That means Dalton will have to be aware of one of the premiere defensive players in the game at all times when he is on the field.
“I think everyone understands what type of player he is and how he can disrupt a game,” the 12-year veteran who made stops with Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, before joining the Saints said via Steelers.com. “He is not only the best player on their defense, he's one of the best players in the league. For us, we have to understand where he is at and we can't let him disrupt the game.”
Watt’s teammates also understand how important getting him back is for not just the pass rush but also the play of the secondary. Cornerback Levi Wallace toldThe Athletic’s Mike DeFabo that seeing Watt as an opponent was a big reason, he joined Pittsburgh as a free agent.
“Football is about timing, the 27-year-old Arizona native told DeFabo. “When you have a guy, who disrupts timing like that, it definitely changes the game. You see how the quarterback is acting because of his presence. He’s acting uncomfortable. But teams aren’t dumb either. They know T.J.’s back. They’re gonna have to max protect a little bit more, which buys them a little bit more time. So, you just see how the team is scheming you and how they’re trying to block. Then, you start feeling comfortable and seeing what routes you get.”
So, Steeler Nation, what kind of an impact do you see Watt having in his return? Do you think with him on the field, Pittsburgh can get back to being one of the better pass-rush teams? With the return of one of the stars of the defense, will Mike Tomlin get a win over the last team he has yet to beat? As always, let us know in the comment section down below or on our social media feeds.
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