Steelers' TJ Watt's Game-Changing INT Absolutely Ruined Sean McVay's Entire Strategy In 2023: "He Is A Freak"

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected 30th in 2017 of the NFL Draft, and chose an edge rusher with a chip on his shoulder, T.J. Watt. Watt, younger brother of the legendary J.J. Watt, was not given the credit he deserved pre-draft. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys, who selected Taco Charlton at 28, felt Watt wouldn't be as good as his brother. 

Watt has far exceeded everyone's wildest dreams and has built the foundation of a Hall of Fame career. During his seven seasons in black and gold, Watt has been a finalist for the NFL's AP Defensive Player of the Year four times, winning once. He is a four-time First Team All-Pro and a six-time Pro Bowler. In 2021, he tied the single-season sack record with former New York Giants defensive end, Michael Strahan with 22.5 sacks.   

Watt's talent transcends Pittsburgh, earning the respect of people from every corner of the NFL, including Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay and former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end, Chris Long. Recently, McVay spoke to Long on his Green Light Podcast.  

They discussed which defenders will stand out now that Aaron Donald has retired. Both Long and McVay felt Watt was high on that list. Long said he sees Watt as a disruptive game-changer in both phases. He added Watt is naturally gifted, and coupled with his exceptional work ethic, you just know he will upset offenses. 

"You're right," said McVay. "He is a freak. I think when you look at it, [Alex] Highsmith is a legit dude on the other side of him that doesn't get enough credit. But I mean, we basically altered our whole plan to affect T.J. this last year, and then the one time he drops into coverage, he picks off an underneath route and takes it back to inside the five. I'm like, you have got to be sh***ing me. He finds a way to affect the game."

McVay is speaking of Watt's 24-yard interception of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. That set former Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett up for an easy 1-yard sneak into the end zone. The Steelers clawed their way back into that game and won. 

Despite having one of the most expensive defenses in the league, the team continued to improve it over the offseason. They made their biggest free agency signing in history, bringing in former Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker, Patrick Queen. 

Queen joins an excellent linebacker group: Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, rookie Payton Wilson, Elandon Roberts, and hopefully Cole Holcomb. This is a good problem for the Steelers and a bad one for coaches like McVay, who will have to figure out how to contain Watt, while not allowing any other weapons to be unleashed.  

Steelers' Alex Highsmith's Restructure Opens Some Doors

Many fans say Highsmith is the Robin to Watt's Batman. The way the two outside linebackers have clicked is incredible. Reminiscent of Kevin Green and Greg Lloyd, they are just racking up sacks and wreaking havoc on offenses.

Recently, the Steelers restructured Highsmith's contract for another four years. Highsmith is entering his fifth year with the team, and the restructure frees up about $7 million in cap space. it is all good news, as Highsmith has improved every year he has been in the league. 

General Manager Omar Khan said keeping Highsmith wasn't the only reason; the team also wanted to give themselves some wiggle room in case an exceptional opportunity popped up. Nothing is worse than turning away a player you need because you don't have the cap space to sign them. If the Steelers decide to go after another receiver, as many think they will, this gives them some space. 

Where do you think Watt ranks among all linebackers in the league right now? Are you surprised to hear McVay praise him so much? Click to comment below. 

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