Steelers Expect TJ Watt To Be Given Rare Opportunities On Sunday Against The Eagles

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into their biggest game yet against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. If the Steelers can capture a victory on the road, they will officially have clinched a playoff birth, and a win like that would also solidify the Steelers as true contenders. Pittsburgh is currently in third place in the AFC with a firm lead in the AFC North, while the Eagles have just two losses and are in a battle for the one seed in the NFC. The Eagles could very well be the team representing the NFC in Super Bowl LIX, so this is a big game for the Steelers.

The big-time players on both sidelines on Sunday are going to be expected to make huge plays for their respective teams. Saquon Barkley is an intimidating force at running back for the Eagles, but TJ Watt believes the Steelers' defense has a great plan in place to stop the MVP candidate. Watt is set up to potentially have a big day, as Pittsburgh Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin doesn't expect the star outside linebacker to see too much attention, which is what he is used to.

"I expect them to play how they play." Austin said. "We expect our guys to hold up in certain situations. I think they will do the same. Those two tackles are two of the best in the business, deservedly so. So I think they're going to work, they're going to trust them to get their job done and go about their business like they usually do."

Watt usually gets the attention of at least two offensive players on every snap. The right tackle he is lining up over, and usually a chip from a tight end, wide receiver, or running back. This will be the first time in the 2024 season that Watt will be given the chance to rush one-on-one with a tackle on a consistent basis, which could bode well for him.

The Eagles have good reason to not give Watt too much attention, and that is Lane Johnson. Johnson is one of the best right tackles of all time, and he is arguably the best right tackle in the league right now. The right tackle has been in the league since 2013 and named an All-Pro five times. This should be a good matchup between two of the best at their respective positions, but it is crucial that Watt wins this battle.

Philadelphia has another quality tackle on the other side of the offensive line in Jordan Mailata, who will be facing off against Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig. He will be taking on this task by himself as well with little help from tight ends and running backs. Mailata is also one of the best tackles in the league, and he will be a tough guy to get around for Highsmith and Herbig.

Steelers' Defense Needs To Prepare For Tougher Tasks In Coverage

In order for Watt and company to get home on Jalen Hurts, the back end of the defense will need to be able to hold up. Not only is it a tough task taking on two receivers like AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, but Pittsburgh's defense will likely be seeing more routes than usual from an offense if there isn't as much attention being placed on Watt and Highsmith. 

If the Eagles aren't utilizing an extra tight end, running back, or wide receiver to chip or stay in and block Watt, then that player will be out running a route which would require some extra attention in coverage. If the Eagles don't plan to chip Watt, that route won't be coming out delayed like the rest of the Steelers defense is used, which is something to keep an eye on.

What do you expect from Watt on Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!

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