Steelers' TJ Watt Takes Big Shot At Officials For Mistake After Week 1 Game Against Falcons

Pittsburgh Steelers star TJ Watt received a strong warning from Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris ahead of their Week 1 matchup, with Morris declaring he wouldn’t let Watt dominate the game. Despite Morris's efforts, Watt made his mark—though not without controversy.

Watt timed a snap perfectly and it led to a strip-sack of Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, and what nearly recovered the ball himself. It was an incredible play from one of the NFL's elite, but the officials ruled Watt offside. The call visibly infuriated Watt, who made his displeasure known to the referees.

Watt had the last laugh, finishing the game with a spectacular walk-off sack to secure a 18-10 victory for the Steelers. In a post-game interview with Mike Garafolo, Watt took a swipe at the refs for their questionable calls. Garafolo asked Watt about the walk-off sack.

"I think that was one of the first times in my life I had one, so I had to take a bow. I had to make sure there were no flags because of the other two but I’m just happy to get the win honestly."

Watt joked that he had to double-check for flags on his game-changing play. Throughout the game, the Steelers faced considerable adversity from the officials, with Watt often being at the center of it. He was frequently held without penalties, a common occurrence that usually goes uncomplained about by him. 

However, Watt was particularly enraged by the offsides call on his sack. He revealed that the referee later admitted to making a mistake on that call.

"Especially when the official says he messed it up after the first half. He went in and saw it. I am glad to get the get back just happy Steeler Nation came out today."

Watt had another strip sack nullified due to an illegal hands-to-the-face penalty by Donte Jackson. While Watt isn’t particularly upset about that call—viewing it as a simple mistake by Jackson—the offsides penalty on his earlier sack was a different story. Watt was especially frustrated since the referee later admitted the mistake.

Despite the setbacks, Watt finished the game with one sack and two tackles for a loss, once again proving to be the best player on the field and a key factor in the Steelers' victory. Watt also had a key fumble recovery. His performance in 2024 reflects an edge and drive fueled by his frustration over being unjustly overlooked for the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Steelers' Watt Has The Final Laugh

Although Watt expressed frustration with the officials last season, he was in good spirits after the Falcons game due to the win. Nonetheless, his frustration remained evident in his post-game comments. 

It was fitting for Watt to secure the game with a walk-off sack, capping the win in dramatic fashion. Watt is just happy the Steelers were able to come out with a win. However, the ref took away a great play from him that he feels like was called wrong.

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