Pittsburgh Steelers' T.J. Watt had an impressive season last year, even though he was only able to play 10 games. This was because he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 1. The previous year was even more impressive as he would win the AP Defensive Player of the Year Award after he had tied Michael Strahan with 22.5 sacks in 2021. With this, when Watt is on the field, there is a noticeable difference from when he is on the field to when he is not playing.
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T.J. Watt scops a loose ball for the first score in Pittsburgh's Wild Card loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.
With things not going his way in 2022 following an impressive 2021 season, many would figure that he would be eager to get out on the first day of OTAs. Well, Watt was nowhere to be found. Although OTAs are voluntary, this is not a great look from the leader of the Steelers' defense to not come to day one.
One of the things to note with Watt is that he is not holding out due to a contract. In 2021, he signed a five-year contract with the team. I feel that it is a bad look since he is not sitting out due to contract issues. But I am not the only one that thinks this. 93.7 The Fan's Andrew Fillipponi is thinking the same way about this.
Call me old school but TJ Watt should be at Steelers practices. Highest paid player. Best player. Team captain.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) May 23, 2023
AP Photo/Don Wright
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) gets a hand on Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) as he pressures him during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in Pittsburgh. No penalty was called.
Watt was not the only defensive starter who did not show up. Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi also did not show up for the first day. He is in the same boat as Watt as he has no excuse with his contract. This offseason, the Steelers signed him to a three-year contract for $28.75 million. Although having two starters out on defense for the first day does not look good, it gives the team a chance to look at two rookies.
Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig would get their chance to prove themselves to the coaches during this time as they would get more reps. Benton has the potential to crack the starting lineup if he plays his cards right and Herbig could become a great rotational piece to the defense.
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University of Wisconsin linebacker, Nick Herbig (#19) celebrates a huge play against Penn State with his teammate.
Time Is Now To Win For The Steelers
Although he hasn't been seen working out much yet this offseason, he is still expected to come in and be an elite part of the Steelers' defense. We will have to see if he is back to where he once was or not. Many believe that the time is now to win for the Steelers. That may just be the case, as quarterback Kenny Pickett is still on a rookie contract and the talent is there.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) throws a deep ball down the sidelines while warming up for a 2022 matchup.
Hopefully, Watt will be making his way back to practice sooner than later so he can bring his veteran leadership and teach these young rookies a couple of things.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Should Watt be there with his team on the first day of OTAs? Let me know in the comments below!
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