The Pittsburgh Steelers last touchdown scorer, FB Derek Watt is doing what he can when provided with offensive opportunities. Don't let the Steelers' forgetfulness of having a good NFL fullback on the roster let you forget the impact he has made and can make! Fans become so frustrated with Watt's contract when they see the team just not utilizing him on offense. However, Watt wasn't just signed as the team's fullback prior to the 2020 season, he was also signed due to his impact on special teams. Watt totaled 16 special teams' tackles with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019, which was good enough to be tied for the most in the league that season.
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In an article recently released by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Watt discussed his most recent touchdown as well as blocking out the noise!
“Yeah, we definitely had that planned for a while,” Watt said of his touchdown reception in the Steelers 35-13 loss in Philadelphia a couple of weeks ago. “It got called and was executed very well.”
We all know it's 2022 and fullbacks aren't utilized the way they used to be, but with the team struggling offensively, utilizing their very capable NFL fullback more couldn't hurt, could it? Watt has only been on the field for just 29 offensive snaps this season. Watt is focused on taking advantage of any snaps that he may get!
“Definitely try to make the most of it when I get in,” Watt stated. “I’m a good fullback and try to do what I can on offense when my number is called. I don’t control when I’m in or out of the game. When I’m out there, I’ve got to try to make the most of them and earn a few more that way.”
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It's been one of the biggest discussions among Steeler fans since he was signed in 2020. However, it seems Watt has a full understanding of why the team signed him to the lucrative contract he received just 3 seasons ago.
“I was brought in here as one of the best special teamers,” Watt said.“I’m always trying to contribute as best I can on special teams," Watt continued. "That’s an updated focus on my game, but, obviously, I try to do the best I can on offense whenever I’m in there. Special teams also are very valuable. They value it here in Pittsburgh.”
This season, Watt hasn't been the special teams demon that he has been in the past with just 2 tackles at the midway point. Last season was Watt's best year in the black and gold as he tallied 14 special teams tackles, good enough to be in the top 5 in that category.
Watt is blocking out the noise and doesn't really care what people think about his contract.
“I’m not worried about what people think about how much I make,” Watt stated. “I didn’t control what I got. I’m here. That’s not my problem to deal with.”
Steelers: NFL Family Ties
JJ Watt (left), Derek Watt (middle), and TJ Watt (right) smile for the camera at the NFL Honors 2022. | Photo by ODU.bz
It's hard to compare a fullback/special teams ace to two NFL Defensive Players of the year like TJ Watt and JJ Watt. However, there's a lot of people that think that Watt received the contract he did, just because of his family name. He didn't take it lightly when asked about it.
“Why would anyone say that? That’s just ridiculous,” Watt said. “One, it’s insulting as hell. Two, it’s ridiculous to think that an organization like this in the National Football League would do something like that. For those people, they can think what they want. I’m assuming they’re not doing a whole lot.”“I’m not in anyone’s shadow,” Watt continued. “I’m playing in the NFL my seventh year. You think I’m playing in the league for seven years because of who my brothers are? That’s insane.”
You can be upset about the Steelers' misuse or nonuse of Watt as an NFL fullback due to his contract, but don't act like he's just in the NFL due to his family name!
What are yinz thoughts on the comments made by Steelers' fullback Derek Watt? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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