Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media for his final press conference of the 2023 season. He addressed a number of situations including the fact that he plans to return as the head coach for next season and gave updates on several injuries. The injuries he spoke about occurred either heading into the Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills, or occurred during that game. One of the biggest injuries that he addressed was the one that occurred in Week 18 to superstar edge rusher TJ Watt.
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Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt is one of the rare players that can change any game at any time.
Watt got hurt when the Steelers played their final game against the Baltimore Ravens. He suffered a Grade 2 MCL Sprain. According to a former NFL doctor, that made it impossible for Watt to do his job, quite literally. When a defensive player works the edge, they have to be able to cut and turn quite quickly. We have all seen Watt adjust at top speed, plant his foot, and make a sack or a tackle.
It was obvious early that Watt would not be able to play against Buffalo. But given Watt's superhuman healing ability, Steelers fans hoped that he would become available if the team advanced to the Divisional Round. Unfortunately, they did not do that, losing a game that felt much closer than the score belied.
"Those who are lacking health, obviously we have to address that sooner rather than later. We're not into medical issues lingering into the offseason. We probably have a few surgeries scheduled, I don't have that list, nothing major, some clean-up procedural things. TJ's rehabilitation is going well. He probably would have been available had we played this week. Got a couple of guys in concussion protocol from the last performance - Joey Porter Jr. and Allen Robinson. I imagine that is running its course. We got some guys on IR, that have been on IR, their rehabilitation processes are running their courses," stated Tomlin.
Watt recently told the media that there is only one coach he wants to play for and that is Tomlin. It is easy to understand why the Steelers and Tomlin would do everything in their power to keep Watt in Pittsburgh.
Steelers' TJ Watt Might Be The Best Defensive Player In The World
The Steelers are not new to losing when Watt is out. He suffered a pectoral injury during the beginning of the 2022 season and Pittsburgh struggled thereafter. He came roaring back in 2023, healthier and better than ever. He once again became a leading contender in the NFL Defensive Player of the Year conversation, but is often slighted by the media in favor of other players such as Myles Garrett.
David Richard / AP
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (#95) rushes the passer during a game against the Indianapolis Colts in Cleveland.
Watt led the league with 19 sacks. He is tied for fourth with four forced fumbles. He had 48 solo tackles, 19 for a loss, eight pass deflections, 36 quarterback hits, one interception, and one touchdown. He was selected to his sixth Pro Bowl and was named the Steelers Team MVP for the fourth time in five years. Not to mention, he's been named an All-Pro once again as well. It is hard to imagine how he wouldn't be seriously considered. However, ESPN's Bill Barnwell did pick Watt to win their version of the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Watt signed a new contract with the Steelers prior to the 2022 season. The contract worth $112 million included $80 million in guaranteed money. He will not be an unrestricted free agent until 2026. The Steelers are very lucky to have Watt locked up for the next few seasons. Hopefully, they can put the offensive pieces they need to together on the other side of the ball so they can help him hoist a Lombardi Trophy.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt.
How much do you think not having Watt hurt the Steelers against the Bills? Are you surprised Watt only wants to play for Tomlin? Click to comment below.
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