Opposing teams must account for Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt on every play.
However, knowing where he is and stopping what he’ll do are entirely different propositions.
No one has solved the problem he imposes through the first three games of the 2023 season.
His nine tackles, two forced fumbles, and six sacks have helped the Steelers race to a 2-1 record.
He gave them a victory after returning a fumble recovery for what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown in their Week 2 showdown against the Cleveland Browns.
What’s his secret for playing at such a high level?
Just a better appreciation of the opportunity he currently has.
“I have a hunger this year to play as hard as I possibly can and not take a rep for granted,” Watt shared with former ESPN hosts Pat McAfee and A.J. Hawk.
You seem to be playing your best football right now..
“I have a hunger this year to play as hard as I possibly can and not take a rep for granted”@_TJWatt #PMSLive #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/NY9sbACbz6
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 29, 2023
Watt knows how everything can be easily taken away from him.
A year after winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, he missed some games after suffering a torn pectoral muscle during their Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
He played in ten games, tallying 5.5 sacks and 39 tackles.
Those numbers were nowhere near his 22.5 sacks and 64 tackles in 2021.
This season, he has already tied the number of quarterback hits he had last year (12).
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