NFL analyst quantifies T.J. Watt's insane value in Steelers' defense
News flash: T.J. Watt is very important for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In other breaking news, the sun is very hot. Time and time again, Watt has proven himself as one of the very best players in the entire NFL. The former first-round pick is entering his seventh year in the league, and when healthy, he's shown […]
News flash: T.J. Watt is very important for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In other breaking news, the sun is very hot.
Time and time again, Watt has proven himself as one of the very best players in the entire NFL. The former first-round pick is entering his seventh year in the league, and when healthy, he's shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Even when he wasn't fully healthy last year, his impact on the field was just as strong for Pittsburgh. And his absence was even more notable.
After tearing his pectoral in Week 1, Watt would up missing the next seven games before returning ahead of schedule. His return unfortunately wasn't soon enough as the Steelers' defense was suffering without him on the field.
How bad was it? According to NFL.com's Grant Gordon, Pittsburgh gave up over eight more points and 100 more yards per game during Watt's stint on Injured Reserve compared to when he was playing.
"The Watt-led Steelers allowed just 16.9 points per game and 288.8 total yards, posting 32 sacks and 18 takeaways in 10 games. The Watt-less Steelers allowed 25.3 points a game, 389.9 yards and tallied just eight sacks and five takeaways in seven contests." – NFL.com's Grant Gordon
Pittsburgh went 1-6 during that seven-game stretch as the offense couldn't compensate for the defense's shortcomings. The offense ranked 26th in EPA/play while the defense was even worse off at 31st in EPA/play allowed.
Watt might be a single player, but he changes everything for the Steel Curtain. He forces opposing offensive lines to adjust protection plans. His sheer presence opens up opportunities for his fellow pass-rushers. He's always due for at least a handful of impact plays per game.
He's everything a team looks in a franchise cornerstone. Watt playing 17 games this year could be the difference between the Steelers making the playoffs or not. The numbers are hard to dispute.
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Featured image via © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
