The Pittsburgh Steelers made a franchise-changing move in the 2017 NFL Draft when they selected TJ Watt in the first round, with the 30th overall pick. Little did they anticipate that they were securing a franchise-altering player. Watt quickly made his mark, earning six Pro Bowl selections and garnering All-Pro honors four times. His exceptional performance culminated in him clinching the AP Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2021.
Matt Freed / ap photo
Steelers' TJ Watt sacks Browns' Deshaun Watson in Pittsburgh, PA.
Watt's prowess as a sack artist reached its zenith in 2021 when he equaled Michael Strahan's long-standing single-season sack record, tallying an impressive 22.5 sacks in a single year. However, the narrative took a surprising turn when a content creator stumbling into research for a video came upon compelling evidence suggesting that Watt, rather than Strahan, should rightfully claim sole ownership of the single-season sack record.
Ok while researching for this video I may have uncovered something absolutely insane
— JaguarGator9 (@JaguarGator9NFL) May 8, 2024
I don't think Michael Strahan's sack record from 2001 is legitimate. He didn't have 22.5 sacks. It was a stat error
And no, I'm not talking about the Brett Favre sack in week 17
The controversial play occurred during a match against the Dallas Cowboys. In this instance, the quarterback had unmistakably crossed the line of scrimmage and found himself in a situation where he was gaining yards when Strahan brought him down. Despite the circumstances, this play was officially recorded as a sack, although many would argue that it should not have been classified as such.
This play from week 8 against the Cowboys counted as a sack for Strahan
— JaguarGator9 (@JaguarGator9NFL) May 8, 2024
Clint Stoerner snaps the ball at the 44-yard line. He makes it to the 43 1/2 yard line. He gains half a yard. You even see the official on the near side ahead of where the original LOS was pic.twitter.com/79bCwdMwlZ
Had this play not been counted as a sack, Watt would stand as the undisputed record holder. Throughout Watt's remarkable season, numerous voices contended that several of his sacks went uncounted. Conversely, in Strahan's case, it seems that sacks were tallied more liberally and inconsistently.
Am I going crazy here? Stoerner gains half a yard. You can't get a sack on a play where the quarterback runs and gains yardage
— JaguarGator9 (@JaguarGator9NFL) May 8, 2024
Strahan should get credit for a tackle, obviously, but not a sack, thereby only giving him 21.5 for the season
As it stands currently, Watt shares the record with 22.5 sacks. However, recent revelations strongly suggest that he should rightfully claim sole possession of the title. Yet, it's improbable that any amendments will be made to the record books. If Watt aims to solidify his status as the true record holder, he'll need to achieve a 23-sack season, a feat well within his capabilities.
Don Wright / AP
Steelers' TJ Watt holds the ball out towards the crowd after making a play against the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers' TJ Watt Hungry For An Even Greater 2024
Watt epitomizes humility, reserving his vocal celebrations for significant plays. Nonetheless, his impact during the 2023 season was undeniable. Leading the league in sacks with an impressive 19, he single-handedly bolstered the Steelers' competitiveness, compensating for deficiencies in their offense.
AP
Steelers' TJ Watt sacking Joe Burrow.
Undoubtedly, Watt stands as the linchpin of the team, evident from their stark record of one win and ten losses in games he missed. Feeling overlooked for the 2023 AP Defensive Player of the Year Award, he harbors frustration toward the NFL, fueling his determination to play with an unyielding edge. With his hunger for success unabated, Watt is poised to potentially eclipse Strahan's record in 2024, although he already holds the technical record for sacks in a single season.
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