The Pittsburgh Steelers have come to expect greatness from TJ Watt in every game. With 99.5 career sacks, many fans believe that if he doesn’t make a splash play, he must have had a horrible game. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. During the Steelers' Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Watt had a relatively quiet performance.
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Steelers' TJ Watt sacks Seahawks' Geno Smith.
Videos began trending on social media, highlighting how Watt was held on several key plays.
TJ Watt getting blatantly held right before Flacco throws the TD Pass. How did the not see this?@rickfish412 @BrianBatko @rayfitt1 @steelernation #Steelers #SteelerNation @ToddRLawrence pic.twitter.com/X9cP7yNFS7
— Matthew C. Huebner (@MattHuebner43) September 29, 2024
Many Steelers fans pointed out that he was either being held or double-teamed throughout the game, which limited his impact. The absence of Alex Highsmith also made matters more challenging for Watt, as opponents could focus their attention more on him.
Was TJ Watt implying he was getting held often with the linemen not getting flagged for it? I’ll let you decide. But this was his answer to a question about his lack of splash plays in Indy last week pic.twitter.com/kwwvtPlohG
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) October 4, 2024
Watt has expressed frustration with the NFL for quite some time. During the 2023 season, he voiced his anger over the lack of holding calls, arguing that he is held more than any other star in the league while receiving the fewest penalties. Although he prefers not to dwell on it, his frustrations occasionally boil over. When speaking to the media on Friday, Watt hinted that the officiating contributed to his inability to make any splash plays against the Colts.
"I mean there’s many reasons for it, but I don’t want to get into that."
While it may not be fair to put words in Watt's mouth, he did express his desire to avoid discussing the issue. Steelers reporter Chris Adamski speculated that Watt was conveying a lot while saying very little about the NFL's perceived unfair treatment of him. The clips that went viral on social media clearly showcased obvious holding calls that went unpunished.
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Steelers' TJ Watt speaks to the media after win in Atlanta.
Watt has received explanations from former referees regarding why he doesn't receive the same holding calls as other stars. Allegedly, his signature rip move, which allows him to get low to the ground, makes it challenging for officials to call holding in those instances. Whatever the reasoning may be, it likely won't satisfy Watt or Steeler Nation.
Watt has established himself as a sack master, regardless of whether he receives holding calls. He is closing in on 100 career sacks, a tremendous achievement that puts him on pace to shatter records. While it seems Watt has often been denied the calls that other players receive, he clearly prefers not to discuss that aspect.
Steelers' TJ Watt Will Be Extra Motivated For Week 5
This week, Watt has been aware of the chatter surrounding his lack of splash plays. However, it’s unfair to criticize him given his immense talent and track record. Watt holds himself to high standards, and he will likely be eager to pressure Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott on Sunday night.
Philip G. Pavely / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers' TJ Watt attempts to sack Browns' Deshaun Watson.
With the spotlight on him, Watt will be super motivated to make an impact in Week 5 against the Cowboys. Steelers fans are excited and hopeful to see him deliver a standout performance, reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s premier defensive players.
In a game that will be pivotal for the Steelers, all eyes will be on Watt to see if he can rise to the occasion and silence the ref's with some game-changing plays.
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