T.J. Watt reveals he will finally do what Steelers fans have been begging for after years of late-season struggles and collapses
For years, it has become clear what side of the ball T.J. Watt would align on, often with little adjustment. He just admitted that it will be a thing of the past in the Steelers’ new defensive system.
At the peak of his powers, Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt was virtually unstopable. You knew that he would align over the right tackle, get in his 2-point stance, and whether it was one, two, or three bodies in front of him, he would use his first-step quickness, elite bend, and toolsey handwork to cause disruption.
In recent years, Watt hasn’t played to the same level, but that was due in large part to two things: injuries and bland schematics. When a team knows where you’re going to be on every snap, and you’re not at your best, it makes life a lot harder on that rusher. Well, not only does Watt plan on being healthy in 2026, but he’ll have no choice to adjust and move around.
T.J. Watt 2025 stats
- 55 tackles.
- 7 sacks.
- 3 forced fumbles.
Steelers looking to move T.J. Watt around the formation in 2026
”I think in the past, it was a little bit more about me being stubborn,” Watt said, via video from DK Pittsburgh Sports. “I think this new system allows [more of that, because] a lot of it is built in, so I really can’t say no. I have to move with it. A lot of us are interchangeable parts. You’re not just learning your position, you kind of have to learn the whole defensive front structure because we all are basically interchangeable. We can do different things, so I think you’re going to see a lot more movement of not just me, but the whole front.”
Right now, the Steelers plan on keeping all three of their star edge rushers for the 2026 season. Rarely have we seen times on the field where all three players are both healthy and utilized. That will likely change in 2026.
Patrick Graham has never had these sorts of resources at his disposal. And for the players, they have to be reinvigorated by a new scheme, new alignments, and what has to be a breath of fresh air.
T.J. Watt speaks on learning a new defense
“It’s been a lot, not going to lie to you,” Watt added. “It’s been a lot of studying, lot of learning, lot on the iPad. Also, trying to see the new faces, not only players but coaches, but it’s been a lot of really good work. As you guys can see, practices are a little bit different around here, tougher as you get older to get the work in, but it’s all been phenomenal.”