The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted T.J. Watt in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Since then, he has become one of the greatest picks in the organization's history, earning six Pro Bowl selections and being named to four All-Pro teams. Watt's resume stands among the best in terms of tangible on-field production. In 2021, he was named the NFL's AP Defensive Player of the Year, and in 2023, Watt led the NFL with 19 sacks.
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Steelers' TJ Watt (90) celebrates with his teammate Alex Highsmith (56) after a huge play.
In his seven seasons in the NFL, Watt has accumulated 96.5 sacks, 401 combined tackles, 198 quarterback hits, 107 tackles for loss, seven interceptions, 45 passes defended, 27 forced fumbles, and 10 fumble recoveries. His stats are off the charts, and watching him play is truly special. The Steelers simply do not win games unless Watt is on the field.
However, one stat that has eluded Watt and the Steelers is playoff success. The team's last playoff win came in the 2016 season, just before they drafted Watt. He is frustrated with the fact that his team has not won a playoff game yet. Ray Fittipaldo joined The Fan Morning Show on Wednesday to discuss how the team's vibe has changed. The time is now for the Steelers to end their playoff drought.
"I'll tell you the different type of vibe I'm getting down there this summer. I was in on an interview with T.J. Watt yesterday, and he's coming up on some milestones in his career, 100 sacks, he's pretty close to it. And he was asked about the importance of that, and he said, 'The number that's important to me is zero playoff wins.’ And that reverberates throughout the locker room.”
The entire team is feeling the frustration of not having recent postseason success. The Steelers' standard is winning Super Bowls. However, to get back in the Super Bowl hunt, the Steelers must get back to winning playoff games. Watt spoke with Joe Rutter of Trib Live to detail his only focus in 2024.
“It [stinks]. There’s no nice way of putting it... I’m trying to do whatever is possible to win."
Watt was injured in the last game of the Steelers' regular season, forcing him to sit on the sidelines and watch as the Steelers lost in the first round to the Buffalo Bills. He hated every minute of it. Had Watt played in that game, maybe the Steelers could have won. While no one knows for sure, history tells Steelers fans their odds would have been much greater. The Steelers are 1-10 in regular season games without Watt on the field.
Associated Press
Steelers' TJ Watt leaves the game with an injury.
Despite his numerous personal accolades and incredible stats, it's clear what Watt cares about at this stage in his career. He understands the urgency and knows he doesn't have forever to play. Watt wants the 2024 season to be different, with better results for what the Steelers can accomplish.
Steelers' Roster Has Improved In Almost Every Area
The Steelers have the highest-paid defense in football, packed with playmakers at every position. They have significantly improved their special teams unit and enhanced their offense in every area except wide receiver. With new quarterbacks, exciting new personnel, and a team determined to get back into Super Bowl contention, the Steelers are poised for an exciting 2024 season.
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Steelers' TJ Watt speaks with Mike Tomlin during an away game.
They face a gauntlet of a schedule, one of the most challenging in the league. Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing season in his 17 years in Pittsburgh, will see his streak heavily tested in 2024. However, ending the playoff drought is the most pivotal goal. It is time for the Steelers to help Watt secure his first playoff victory and many more in 2024.
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