The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the best, if not, the best defensive player in the NFL. Edge rusher, T.J. Watt is the reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year after a monster season in 2021. His 2022 campaign hit a screeching halt after tearing his pectoral muscle at the end of regulation in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was luckily not a season-ender as the dominant pass rusher returned this past week and suited up versus the New Orleans Saints. The team is a horrific 1-10 in games that Watt does not start and his presence combined with an unbelievable play making ability are clearly big factors in the organization's success since he was drafted in 2017.
Steelers' TJ Watt (#90) gets ready for his return to action against the New Orleans Saints during practice in Pittsburgh, PA. | Credit: Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Super Bowl champion, Bryant McFadden joined the Cook and Joe Show on 93.7 The Fan and discussed the impact of Watt returning. The first thing he said was that it doesn't matter how many games he has played this year, he should be in the conversation to repeat as the NFL's best defensive player.
"It tells you how good that guy is. I think it's safe to say that even though T.J. has only played in two games, he should still get a Defensive Player of the Year nominee."
The compliments for the pass rusher flowed from McFadden and he believes the team is completely different when he is starting on Sundays.
"The Steelers defensively have no competitive edge. They seem like they don't have a post when T.J.'s not in the lineup. Let's keep it real. Think about what we saw Week 1 against Cincinnati."
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher, TJ Watt (#90) stretches during 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
McFadden is referring to the dominant defensive effort that saw the team sack Joe Burrow seven times and force one of the better quarterbacks in the league to throw five interceptions. The Watt effect was certainly an enormous factor.
"Think about how dominant the unit was. The thing about T.J. and this is one thing that Hall of Fame like players have; they make everybody better. It's just something about them in their uniform, you feel much better about your chances."
It goes further than just opponents' worries and the feel in the locker room. The energy and excitement coming from the Steelers fan base is always present when the following knows that Watt is wearing a jersey on game days:
"The same can be said for fans. Think about how you guys feel when you know T.J.'s in the lineup. You feel better. You feel like 'you know, we got a shot and we're probably going to play some nice Steeler football on the defensive side.' You felt that way this Sunday just knowing he was in the lineup.""When he's in the game, the team in totality is a much better team. You can't argue that at all."
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Monday, Sept. 30, 2019. | AP Photo : Tom Puskar
New Orleans knew that he hadn't played since the first week of the season, but was still very worried about him beating them, leading to multiple chances for his teammates to make plays. Even when he's not directly affecting a play, he is making a difference.
"He still was impactful even when he wasn't getting to the quarterback. The Saints treated T.J. like he never missed a ball game. They devoted so much attention to him and guess what? Other players that were rushing the passer had one on one opportunities."
While it may be a bit of a stretch to allow Watt to jump into the Defensive Player of the Year category, there is no doubt that he makes one of the most significant impacts related to his team's success. The sky is the limit for the defense as long as he remains healthy and continues to play like his normal self and draw attention from opponents.
How much of a difference do you think Watt makes for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
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