The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled winning games without their superstar outside linebacker, TJ Watt. The Steelers are 0-6 in games in which Watt doesn't play since the NFL's reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) came into the league in 2017. In order for the Steelers to kick things into gear, they must learn to win without their game-wrecker on the edge. The Steelers take on the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium. Can the Steelers finally find a way to win without Watt?
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 19: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field on December 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
In the aftermath of the Steelers Week 1 23-20 OT win against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team's other defensive captain, Cam Heyward called for the defense to step up as a unit. Since then, the Steelers have fallen to 1-2 on the season, losing the two games that Watt has missed thus far.
With the black and gold struggling to get a victory, Heyward, being the fearless leader that he is, is taking full responsibility and is calling his own number:
“Obviously, we’re still trying to win without him,” Heyward said Thursday via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I think we’re 0-7 without him.”
Heyward's stat keeping is just a little off with the Steelers being 0-6 without Watt playing a snap.
Steelers' Cam Heyward (#97) gets ready before taking on the New England Patriots. | Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
“For me, I look at it as I have to step up,” Heyward continued. “I have to be a better player on the field. It’s not me replacing T.J. It’s my technique that has to be a lot better. I think every player should look to do that. Every player should look towards raising their level when you’ve got guys out.”
It's a tough task to replace the the presence and production of a guy like Watt. The Steelers' defense knows that despite the offensive struggles that they have to be better as a unit. The team's run defense is continuing the downward spiral that took place last season. They may not be ranked dead last against the run as they were a season ago, but they are in the bottom half of the league.
Credit: Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers
Does the trouble against the run have anything to do with missing one of the most efficient defenders in the NFL? Probably, but the Steelers have to find a way to correct it. Defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin is making some slight changes to see if something will click. NT Montravius Adams has taken over the top spot on the depth chart at the position, as it appears veteran NT Tyson Alualu has been benched in an effort to improve the struggling run defense. Austin feels the defense is close, but he knows there's plenty of work to do to find a way to win games:
“I think we’re close,” Austin stated. “I’d like it better if I didn’t have to find that answer, but we’re continuing to work and continuing to improve. … We have some guys who are getting opportunities here. I think we’re a little closer in that regard, but it will all show out on Sundays.”
What are yinz thoughts on Cam Heyward shouldering responsibility for the win-less streak without superstar, TJ Watt? Can we expect a monster game from Heyward on Sunday? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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