TJ Watt Loves Steelers Free Agent Additions On Defense For 2023

When the Pittsburgh Steelers have TJ Watt playing in games, there is a night and day difference when it comes to the defense. He was the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year due to the fact that he tied Michael Strahan's single-season sack record. For the Steelers, some could argue that he is more important to the team than their quarterback Kenny Pickett. Due to an injury, Watt only played a total of 10 games in 2022, but he made the most of it when he was on the field. He recorded 27 tackles, five and a half sacks, two interceptions and forced a fumble. For 2023, he is planning on coming back and better than ever, hopefully returning to his 2021 status.

What has made Watt so impressive is the never-ending motor that he has. He also has the mentality that he is going to outwork every player on the opposing team. Recently, Watt joined Ben Roethlisberger on his podcast, Footbahlin and noted that when the Steelers play in games, they feel that it is on the defense to execute. He mentioned that even though the Steelers had a young offense in 2022, the defense was so prideful that it didn't even matter.

"We're so prideful as defensive guys, that no one can go down the field. Every time, this is what we dream for." Watt would then say "That is what makes the mindset that we have that it doesn't matter. If we take care of business and we hold them to zero points, then we feel that we have an opportunity to win the game."  

Watt was extremely clear that getting the ball back over to the offense as quickly as possible can put the team in a better position to win.

"As a defense, you have to just play the hand that you are dealt and go out there and get rid of as much risk as possible and if we can turn the ball over, we will do our best to do that."

The Steelers Are A Defensive-Minded Team

The Steelers being a defensive-minded team is how they have always been. From the great "Steel Curtain" to the electric team during the 2000s, their identity has always been the same. The 2023 team should be no different. 

The veteran leadership of Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cameron Heyward should be able to teach some of the young guys like Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton the Steelers ways. Watt mentioned that he believed that the 2023 offseason has gone well and the Steelers have gone out and gained great talent to add to their group.

"We've added a lot of key parts. Every year it seems like we're adding pieces. We're always getting new faces, but this year it seems like it's even more. There are so many talented players around the league, and they have done a good job of going out and acquiring some good talent."

In 2023, there will be a lot of eyes on the Steelers' offense. It will be led by Pickett and the expectations are extremely high for the young quarterback. He now has a well-put-together offensive line with some great targets for him to throw to. 

With one of the best defenses in the NFL, the Steelers should be in the running to be Super Bowl contenders. It will all depend on the leadership and coaching if they make it far or not. The defense will already have high expectations to fill the Steelers' "standard" and as Watt said, if they take care of business, then they will win games.

So, what do you think Steeler Nation? Will the defense be the focus point of the Steelers team in 2023? Let me know in the comments below!

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