Steelers Defensive Coordinator Believes Opposing Teams Are Targeting TJ Watt With Pathetic ‘Hack-A-Shaq’ Strategy

The Pittsburgh Steelers are determined to bounce back and erase the memory of their disappointing 24-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. As they prepare to face the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football, Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin shed light on an unusual strategy he believes opposing NFL teams are employing to try and contain the unstoppable force that is TJ Watt.

The 'Hack-A-Shaq' Strategy, Slowing Down The Unstoppable

In an interview with ESPN's Brooke Pryor, Austin revealed his perspective on the challenges faced by elite pass rushers like Watt. He described how opposing teams resort to holding tactics, often blatantly, as a means of slowing down these dynamic defensive forces.

"I think T.J. runs into what all the elite rushers do. These guys are going to hold you until they can't because a lot of times, that's the only way they can block."

Austin drew a parallel with the infamous 'Hack-A-Shaq' strategy used in basketball during the prime of Shaquille O'Neal's career. In essence, defenders would intentionally foul O'Neal when he was near the basket, forcing him to earn his points from the free throw line. 

O'Neal, a 52.7% career free throw shooter, often struggled at the line, making this a tactical choice for opposing teams. Although effective, the 'Hack-A-Shaq' strategy was widely criticized for making the game less entertaining.

Expanding on the concept of applying the 'Hack-A-Shaq' strategy to Watt, Austin elaborated.

"People would hack Shaq all the time, and he got fouled so much, and everybody knew it was a foul, but after a while, they didn't call it because he was so doggone good."

In the context of football, this means that opponents may employ holding tactics on Watt with the expectation that referees might not consistently call these infractions due to his exceptional ability. Despite the frustration it may cause, Austin emphasized the importance of persevering through these challenges.

Watt's Frustration And An Apparent Missed Call

During the game against the Cardinals, Watt needed medical attention following a play where he appeared to be held, but didn't receive a call. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray scrambled for a first down, and Arizona right tackle Paris Johnson seemed to have his arm around Watt's neck and chest. The lack of a holding call left Watt visibly frustrated.

In his postgame comments, Watt expressed his frustration with the situation. 

"The NFL has something going against me. So I don't want to talk any more negatively towards them. I don't know what I did, but I'll leave it at that."

Holding, a sometimes subjective call, often leaves room for interpretation by officials. The NFL's rulebook defines holding as a player using their hands or arms to materially restrict an opponent or alter the defender's path or angle of pursuit.

While it's acknowledged that holding calls can be challenging to get consistently right, the NFL officials bear the responsibility of making these calls correctly to ensure fair play. Watt, as one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, deserves the protection afforded by these rules. These issues are not new to Watt as he has faced this for the majority of his dominant career. 

The Steelers' Resilience And Watt's Determination

Despite the challenges posed by the 'Hack-A-Shaq' strategy, the Steelers remain committed to their mission. 

As Austin aptly put it, "We just got to keep plugging away. And when he has an opportunity to win -- because he'll still win -- he does that. ... We're not going to b***h about our circumstances. We're just going to play and fight through it, and TJ will fight through it, and he'll do it because he’s a good pro and he's a great player."

As the Steelers prepare to face the Patriots on Thursday night, Watt's determination to overcome holding tactics and make an impact on the game remains unwavering. Steelers fans can expect another formidable performance from Watt, who continues to strike fear into the hearts of opposing quarterbacks. Next up, Bailey Zappe and he’s going to have an even angrier Watt coming his way.

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