Steelers Insider Thinks Star TJ Watt Should Enter Lawrence Taylor, All-Time Great Conversation

The Pittsburgh Steelers (once again) snatched another miraculous victory on Sunday, this time against the Los Angeles Rams. The team was dominated for the vast majority of the first half, and Rams kicker Brett Maher’s multiple missed kicks helped keep the AFC North team in the game. The offense turned things around in a big way in the fourth quarter, as they racked up over 200 yards and two touchdown drives.

While the Rams ended with just 17 points, the Steelers defense was gashed for most of the day. Still, the unit made plays when it needed to most. That goes for star TJ Watt, who snagged his seventh career interception to begin the second half. It set up the Steelers inside the 10-yard line, and the offense punched in a touchdown shortly thereafter. Joe Starkey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette thinks it’s time we start having a conversation in regards to Watt’s standing in the all-time ranks.

“Watt is as destructive and game-altering a defensive player as there has ever been. And, yes, that includes the great Lawrence Taylor," Starkey said after Week 7. "Watt belongs in such conversations, minus the scoffing. There is just no way any defensive player, including Taylor, ever had a more profound impact on games."

Starkey believes Watt deserves to be in the conversation for any one that mentions the best to ever do it. Many proclaim Lawrence Taylor as the best to ever do it, at least on the defensive side of the ball. In his 13-year NFL career, all of which was spent with the New York Giants, he had 10 Pro Bowl appearances and won Defensive Player of the Year on three occasions. 

Watt didn’t register a sack in Sunday’s victory, just the second instance of that this season. Still, after Sunday's Week 7 contests, he's still tied for the NFL lead with eight sacks. He’s returned to the 2021 version of himself, which is when he won AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He could surpass the 22.5 sacks that he racked up that season, which tied the all-time single season record. Even after not registering a sack in Week 7, Watt is still on track to finish with 22.5 sacks.

Does Steelers Defensive Star Have An Argument For MVP?

Just before Week 7, Watt had the second-best odds (+300) to win the DPOY Award in 2023 according to BetMGM, as he was just behind Micah Parsons. To go one step further, Starkey insinuates that Watt should get some MVP consideration. The award seems to be wide open through two months of the season and if you’re going purely based off most valuable player, Watt has an argument. 

As Starkey pointed out, the Steelers have a .731 winning percentage with the star edge rusher in the lineup in his career. Without him? The Steelers are just 1-10, most of which happened last season when he missed extensive time. He does admit that Watt needs to do this a little longer to have a resume that stacks up to others, but his pure impact matches up with anyone that has ever played the game.

Watt is well on track to earn his sixth career Pro Bowl appearance this season, as well as (likely) a fourth All-Pro selection. If he does this for another three or four years, his numbers will be right there with Taylor and other defensive legends. For now though, let's still appreciate him while he's playing. Watt continues to climb the ranks of best Steelers players of all-time, and he may even be moving up the list of best NFL defenders ever. Best of all, he continues to do all of this while playing through injuries.

Do you agree with Starkey that Watt should enter discussions with the likes of Lawrence Taylor? Where does he rank amongst the best edge rushers in Steelers history? Do you think he will pick up his second DPOY award in 2023? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

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