Steelers could be on the brink of losing another coach who played an integral role in T.J. Watt’s development in Pittsburgh
A departure that would hurt the Steelers.
Change is officially upon us in Pittsburgh. It was never a matter of if, but when the Pittsburgh Steelers changed their coaching staff around following Mike Tomlin’s decision to step down.
The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy in short order, and while we await his first press conference and first staff hires, the coordinators and now position coaches aren’t waiting around.
Steelers OLB coach Denzel Martin is interviewing with Cowboys for the same role
Look, there is no denying that T.J. Watt is a Hall of Fame talent who comes with an NFL pedigree. However, if everyone knew he was going to be as good as he’s become, Watt wouldn’t have lasted until the 30th pick in the NFL Draft.
His development is a testament to the staff in Pittsburgh, and specifically Martin. When Watt came out of Wisconsin, the concern was: “Well, he’s not that big, but he’s also not super explosive or bendy.”
Watt has worked tirelessly in the offseason to change those narratives, and I would say judging by his resume, he’s done a pretty good job. However, if you really break down what Watt does well, it’s his technique.
He has a ghost move, a spine move, a dip-and-rip move, a cross chop move. You name it, Watt probably has it in his pass rush repertoire. That didn’t come overnight, and it certainly didn’t come without constant drilling and detailed coaching from Martin.
A similar sentiment can be said for Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith. Do you think if the NFL knew that Nick Herbig would be one of the most dynamic designated pass rushers in the league, he falls to the fourth round?
Or that Alex Highsmith would last until day two if he became a borderline Pro Bowler and leading sack getter for the Pittsburgh Steelers? The answer is absolutely not, and that’s a testament to the coaches in Pittsburgh, and more specifically, the work that Martin put in.
So while Arthur Smith’s departure was expected and Teryl Austin is searching wide and far for another DC job, it’s clear that the loss of Martin will sting.
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