Behind the Steel Curtain
To say the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense has been a disappointment thus far would be an understatement. The Steelers have allowed 31+ points in the first two games of the season for the first time since 1989, and they rank 26th in success rate entering Week 3.
One player in particular who has been silent in terms of big splash plays is T.J. Watt. The former Defensive Player of the Year has been shut out in the sack department through two games – something he knows isn’t acceptable.
“I’m not affecting the game like I want to,” Watt said via Teresa Varley. “[I’m] Trying to find every way to do so. Turn over every stone, flip sides, trying stunts. Trying to get better every day. I’m just trying to make an impact any way I possibly can.”
Watt has a pressure rate of 13 percent, per NextGen Stats – four percent higher than Maxx Crosby and 1.3 percent higher than Jared Verse. Watt is doing a good job of winning his matchups, but with both Justin Fields and Sam Darnold able to get the ball out quickly, the Steelers’ pass rush hasn’t been able to finish plays. The Steelers will face a good Patriots offensive line in Week 3, but a unit that features a rookie left tackle in Will Campbell and an older veteran in Morgan Moses. Consistently getting to Drake Maye would be a good recipe for the Steelers if they want to secure their first win in New England in 17 years.
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