Bengals QB Joe Burrow admits that he gives Steelers Pro Bowler T.J. Watt special treatment
While T.J. Watt and Joe Burrow play two entirely different positions, they actually have a lot in common. The best player on their respective teams, midwest guys, and above all else, some of the most cerebral players in the league. And after years of exposure to Watt and his tendencies, Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow […]
While T.J. Watt and Joe Burrow play two entirely different positions, they actually have a lot in common.
The best player on their respective teams, midwest guys, and above all else, some of the most cerebral players in the league.
And after years of exposure to Watt and his tendencies, Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow knows that every time he plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he's in for a game of chess with T.J. Watt.
“Yeah, I can definitely feel [Watt],” Burrow told Big Cat and PFT Commenter of Pardon My Take when asked if he could feel T.J. Watt's presence. “TJ. is a unique player in this league. There’s no other defensive lineman that I have to treat like a DB. like I have to be conscious about where he’s at, because he’s just gonna jump up and catch it. And there’s nobody else that can do that.”
While Watt is known for being a sack artist, he's adept at playing the pass, especially considering how sparingly he's asked to do so. Who can forget early in his career when he covered Jordy Nelson on a drag route? Or how about last season when he picked off Super Bowl champion QB Matthew Stafford by disguising his drop?
But what Burrow is speaking to, is the innate timing, and instincts that Watt has. He shared it with his brother, J.J., who was also known for swatting passes.
The difference is, with T.J., those balls thrown near the line of scrimmage often turn into interceptions.
Watt has become so good at playing passing lanes that if Pittsburgh wanted to deploy trick plays, T.J. would be atop their list thanks to his underrated athleticism and obvious catching ability.
But in terms of pass rushing, Watt has mastered the notion that just because you can't get to the QB, doesn't mean you can't affect him. Rushers are taught to crowd throwing angles.
That's why many of the best QBs, (Patrick Mahomes, Matthew Stafford, and Aaron Rodgers) have developed arm slots to throw around the flailing limbs of defensive linemen and linebackers.
Burrow has taken to learning the process of dropping his slot, something he spoke about last offseason but wasn't unveiled the way he would have liked due to injury.
If he adds that to his game, look out NFL, because one of the best QBs in the league will be that much better.
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