TJ Watt The Path To Stardom

Photo credit to Steelers via Twitter

NFL

TJ Watt The Path To Stardom

If there is one thing the Pittsburgh Steelers are known for, it is their hard nosed defense. From the likes of Mean Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Mel Blount to the more recent names of Troy Polamalu, Casey Hampton, and Cameron Heyward; Pittsburgh has always blessed the NFL with great talent on that side of the ball. With all of these legends is it possible one of their youngest players has gotten off to a better start than any other defender in franchise history? Let me introduce you to the Pittsburgh Steelers next defensive star TJ Watt.

College Development

TJ Watt began his football career growing up in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Watt was injured his final years at Pewaukee High School until his redshirt sophomore season at Wisconsin Watt had not touched a football field. TJ went to Wisconsin as an athlete and was set to play tight end until the summer of 2015. Wisconsin Head Coach Paul Chryst had asked Watt if he would like to change sides of the ball as he believed his athletic ability would make him a valuable asset on defense. Watt’s first season as a starter was when his potential really shined through. TJ busted out his junior season accounting for 63 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. Watt also showed his athletic ability on a pick six vs Purdue that can be seen below.

Those numbers were good enough to land him as the overall sack leader for the Big 10 conference. Watt accolades wouldn’t end there as he received first team all american honors from sports illustrated.  After his magnificent junior season came to an end, Watt announced he would forgo his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

NFL Draft

Once TJ declared for the draft his stock only rose. Draft pundits continued to talk about his inexperience at the position but always noted his athletic ability, intensity and high motor which lead to plays like below.

Watt’s fierceness and competitive nature always showed on film even if he did not quite understand the position as of yet. TJ was invited to the NFL scouting combine where he blew up even more. Watt was in the top 80th percentile in nearly every category tested. Measuring in at 6’4″ 252 lbs with an arm length of 33 1/8″ and hands at 11″ Watt is the prototypical pass rushing outside linebacker. After his showing out at the combine most draft analysts believed Watt would go in the late first early second round of the draft. With the 30th overall pick in the NFL draft the Pittsburgh Steelers selected outside Linebacker TJ Watt. With an ailing defense and very little production from the outside linebacker position, it was easy to see the connection between the team and Watt.

Rookie Season

Although many thought of TJ Watt as being to unrefined to play in the NFL right away, he came into rookie training camp laser focused trying to earn a starting role. As the summer continued and Watt gained a better grip of the defense he moved up the depth chart. It was evident he was on a different path than most of the rookies who came to Pittsburgh. Watt became the first defensive rookie to start week 1 for the Pittsburgh Steelers in over a decade. In Watt’s rookie debut he did not disappoint as he was a key piece in the steelers victory over the browns. TJ finished the game with 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 pass deflection and a key interception that halted the browns near the redzone as seen below. TJ ended his rookie season with 54 tackles, 7 sacks, 17 pass deflections, and 1 interception.

Watt’s Versatility

Although his technique in pass rush was not always the best his motor is what kept him in plays. Watt’s versatility was also tested throughout the year. TJ was asked to cover more than any other outside linebacker in Pittsburgh’s defense. In the play shown below Watt went out to cover Green Bay Packers pro bowl wide receiver Jordy Nelson. Even though this is a mismatch that was targeted by the Packers, Watt is almost perfect in his defense. TJ reads the route then plants his back foot and sticks his had in for the pass deflection. Although it appears simple, Watt covering a receiver of that caliber is a play that demonstrates why he is more than just a pass rusher.

 

https://youtu.be/8GbarLs_HKk

Clutch Gene

Watt was also a clutch performer his rookie season. Whenever the Steelers needed a play TJ seemed to be in the right place. As mentioned earlier Watt’s motor is unstoppable and arguably his best quality. With the Steelers winning by one point with 16 seconds left in the fourth quarter and the Ravens driving, Watt comes up big. TJ had developed some of his pass rush moves and puts them to good use here. See as he starts outside and uses his hands and speed to get around the right tackle. After blowing by the lineman, Watt’s pursuit of Joe Flacco ends with a strip sack that effectively ends the game. The Pittsburgh Steelers were crowned the AFC North Champions this night because of TJ Watt’s brilliant play. Watt ended his rookie season with 54 tackles, 7 sacks, 17 pass deflections, and 1 interception.

What’s to Come

After a rookie campaign stronger than anyone imagined, Watt started even hotter in year two. TJ was unblockable week 1 wreaking havoc in the backfield all game. TJ finished the game with 10 total tackles, 3 sacks, and a blocked field goal to save the tie for the Steelers. In the below play you will see Watt’s ability to engage with a weaker TE use his inside arm to gain leverage and forge a path straight to the quarterback for a sack.

Not only has Watt improved as a pass rusher, but his run defense was phenomenal in the week one match up.  In the below strand of tweets, it was apparent that Watt would not be contained. TJ routinely won at the point of attack with his hands. Being able to keep his leverage made running to his side impossible. Watt won up front all day and hardly ever broke contain making him the impact player for week 1.

Not only was Watt a monster on defense, made his presence felt on special teams as well. With 0:13 seconds left in OT the Browns lined up to attempt a 43 yard field goal to win the game. TJ exploded off of the ball and bull rushed his guy back enough to cross his face and dive in for the blocked field goal. This blocked preserved a tie for the Steelers in a game where the offense did everything it could to lose. TJ Watt was named AFC defensive player of the week, with a video game stat line.

The Future is Bright

TJ Watt has been a starter since day one in black and gold. Watt is the fastest player in franchise history to reach the double digit sack mark. TJ is also the first to have 3 sacks in one game since James Harrison. Although early in his career Watt has been one of the top defenders for this team. Watt’s ability to play multiple roles for the defense along with his unmatched relentless motor makes him a nightmare for offensive coordinators throughout this league. TJ Watt appears to have one of the brightest futures for any player on this team, it will only be a matter of time before he is known as a Steeler Legend.

 

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Photo credit to Steelers via Twitter