The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to extend their three-game winning streak by getting a victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 10. Pittsburgh's defense will have to find a way to shut down the efficient offense of the Commanders which is led by the best rookie in football, Jayden Daniels. He is the clear front-runner for Rookie of the Year, and he has turned the franchise around in a matter of months. Washington currently sits at 7-2, which is the organization's best start in years.
The New York Times
Commanders' Jayden Daniels gets coached up by Dan Quinn during the 2024 season.
Daniels hasn't just been one of the best rookies in the NFL during the 2024 season, he has been one of the best quarterbacks in general. He is firmly in the MVP conversation, and it will be up to the Pittsburgh defense to shut him down. One man that will be looking to disrupt Daniels' performance on Sunday is TJ Watt, who has arguably been the best defensive player in the league so far in 2024. Washington's Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was asked about Watt during his press conference on Thursday, and how often he was thinking of ways to disrupt the defender.
"Yeah, when I'm watching tape, when I'm sleeping, all of the above," Kingsbury said. "He's the game-wrecker. He's like on that level of certain guys around the league. The Aaron Donalds. I know he's retired but, where it's like, okay, going into that week, we've got to know where he is at on every play and if we leave one play where he is not accounted for and given extra attention, then that's the play that can change the game. He's that dominant of a player and he plays with that type of effort, so yeah, definitely one that keeps you up at night."
Many opposing coaches wouldn't come out and be so point blank about playing against a defender like Watt. The coach clearly gives Watt the respect he deserves, and even admits the defender keeps him up at night. Kingsbury used to be the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and they played in the same division as Aaron Donald, so the coordinator has plenty of experience game-planning for these types of elite defenders.
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Steelers' TJ Watt during Week 7 of 2024 against the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football.
Kingsbury's analysis of Watt is accurate. If an offense doesn't pay enough attention to him on a single play, he will make something happen. This was seen in Pittsburgh's last game against the New York Giants. Giants quarterback Daniel Jones forgot to motion the tight end over to the side of the formation that Watt was on, and that gave the defender a one-on-one matchup with the right tackle. He easily got past him, and forced a fumble that he recovered himself.
Watt is coming off of what might have been his best game of the 2024 season, and he will look to continue that success into this matchup with Washington. If Watt can have another big game, than Pittsburgh will have a good chance to come home with a victory.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers new addition Preston Smith practice ahead of a game against the Washington Commanders.
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Daniels is a quarterback that likes to use his legs quite a lot, which means the defense may be running a little more than they are used to. Watt and Alex Highsmith will be chasing Daniels around, which may mean they will need to take more plays off than usual. Thankfully for the Steelers, Nick Herbig is set to return from injury and the team traded for Preston Smith right before the trade deadline. This means Pittsburgh should have at least two above-average edge rushers on the field at all times when they take on Washington.
If any defense can slow down the efficient attack of Daniels and the Commanders, it is the Steelers, and they will look to do so in what will be a highly touted matchup on Sunday.
What do you think of the comments from Kingsbury about Watt? Let us know below!
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