Buccaneers coach reveals what makes Steelers superstar unique
The Pittsburgh Steelers would love to have T.J. Watt for this one. Despite having one of the worst-performing offenses in the NFL right now, the Steelers could match up surprisingly well against Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad that has plenty to figure out itself. Having a game-changer like Watt would spell trouble for the Bucs. After […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers would love to have T.J. Watt for this one. Despite having one of the worst-performing offenses in the NFL right now, the Steelers could match up surprisingly well against Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad that has plenty to figure out itself.
Having a game-changer like Watt would spell trouble for the Bucs. After all, Watt has established himself as one of the best defensive players in the league. Despite Tampa Bay's head coach claiming they want to "go against the best," I'd bet deep down, they're relieved they don't have to.
But Bucs HC Todd Bowles had excellent insight on what makes Watt truly unique for the Steelers. If anything, you have to appreciate the respect for the superstar.
"Any time that caliber of player is not on the grass, it’s different. Obviously, as a competitor, you always want to go against the best – but he’s a unique player," said Todd Bowles on Thursday.
"What I love about him is that he makes timely plays. It’s not just plays – it’s timely plays. You cut the tape on, and whenever they need a play, he finds a way to make a play. That’s a unique thing. That’s a unique thing for players. A lot of people can make a play here and there – he makes them on time," added the Bucs HC about the Steelers edge rusher who's currently on Injured Reserve.
Watt was expected to return in Week 8 before he had an arthroscopic knee surgery that will keep him out until the Steelers' bye week, per Brooke Pryor and Adam Schefter from ESPN.
Without Watt, the Steelers defense has struggled. They were completely run over by the Buffalo Bills last weekend and allowed two devastating drives from Zach Wilson's New York Jets the week before.
But Tom Brady isn't overlooking Pittsburgh.
"They're very good. They play very sound. It's a hard-nosed team. I've played the Steelers a lot – a very physical style of ball," said the Bucs' quarterback.
"Cam Heyward is one of the great players I've ever played against. Myles Jack and Devin Bush are a really good group of linebackers. They've got some good pass-rushers. The secondary, they're a little banged up, we're just trying to figure out who's going to play. But Minkah [Fitzpatrick], I think Minkah is a phenomenal player. [Terrell] Edmunds is a really good player. They're going to challenge us, they're going to be sound, they're going to be in the right position and they're going to make us earn it."
The Steelers will try to upset the Bucs on Sunday. To do so, all of those names mentioned by Brady will have to step up big.
Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
