The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been blessed with standout players on both sides of the football, but their defensive roster has boasted some truly legendary figures. Among these is TJ Watt, who, since being drafted by the Steelers in 2017, has established himself as a dominant force in the NFL. Watt has accumulated an impressive 98.5 sacks and shows no signs of slowing down, making him a formidable presence on the field.
Benjamin B. Braun / Post-Gazette
Steelers' TJ Watt sacks Titans' Will Levis after he lost his helmet during Thursday Night Football.
Another iconic defensive player for the Steelers was James Harrison, known for his unforgettable Super Bowl pick six and dominant defensive play. Harrison, a relentless pass rusher, spent 14 seasons with the Steelers, during which he recorded 80.5 sacks. His impact on the game, especially in the postseason, cemented his status as one of the greats.
A spirited debate has emerged among Steelers fans regarding who is the more dominant pass rusher: Watt or Harrison. While Harrison's legacy is undeniable, Watt's statistics suggest a compelling case in his favor. Adding to this debate, Santonio Holmes, another Steelers legend renowned for his Super Bowl heroics, recently weighed in with his strong opinion. During his appearance on The Arthur Moats Experience, Holmes cast his vote for Watt.
"I'm taking 90," Holmes said. "If I'm going for the game-winner, I know that motherf***** coming for the game-winning sack. I know [Harrison] gonna do his thing, but 90 want the sack. He want you to know he's back there."
Holmes’ sentiments about the debate between Watt and Harrison are hard to argue with. While Harrison's production and impact during his time in Pittsburgh are far from forgotten, if you had to choose one player to deliver a game-winning sack, the nod might well go to Watt. Watt has a natural instinct for sacking quarterbacks, having amassed 96.5 sacks in just seven seasons, with two already recorded in the 2024 season.
In Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, Watt showcased his prowess with two strip sacks, although both were negated by penalties. Steelers fans have high expectations for their team MVP, and Watt’s ability to consistently elevate his performance year after year is a daunting prospect for opposing offenses. His relentless pursuit and knack for finding another gear highlight his exceptional talent.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers' James Harrison sacks Ravens' Joe Flacco.
Harrison’s greatness, however, should not be overshadowed by Watt’s impressive achievements. Harrison was a relentless force who could not be stopped, and his contributions to the Steelers' defense were monumental. The fact that this debate seems to favor Watt only underscores the remarkable level at which he operates. Both players have made indelible marks on the franchise, but Watt's ongoing excellence further cements his status as a dominant force in the game.
Holmes’ response to the debate between Watt and Harrison was bound to spark discussion, as choosing between two legends is no easy task. Both Watt and Harrison are iconic defensive players with a knack for sacking quarterbacks. Yet, many Steelers fans would likely echo Holmes' sentiment: if you needed a game-winning sack, Watt would be the first choice.
Steelers' TJ Watt Continues To Face Adversity From The NFL
In the game against the Falcons, Watt demonstrated why he’s such a formidable force. Despite his frustration with the officials, who nullified a spectacular strip sack in the first half, Watt's impact was undeniable. He perfectly timed the snap count and brought down Kirk Cousins, causing a fumble.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt pumps up the crowd on the road in Atlanta.
However, the play was called back due to an offsides penalty. Watt later revealed that the referee admitted to making a mistake. Even so, Watt's performance underlines why he’s the go-to player for critical moments. Watt got the last laugh as he sacked Cousins in walk off fashion to win the game.
Watt has experienced several sacks that were nullified due to controversial rules and penalties. It’s intriguing to consider where he might stand if the NFL hadn’t consistently added adversity to his path. During the 2023 season, Watt expressed a sense of being treated unfairly by the NFL, feeling that he didn’t receive the same favorable treatment from referees as other star pass rushers. Despite these challenges, Watt continues to reign as the premier sack artist in the current NFL landscape.
#SteelerNation
