Steelers' TJ Watt Has Brother JJ Get Honest About Pittsburgh's Super Bowl Chances

Pittsburgh Steelers teams as of late have found ways to win games, despite not having a good offense. This has led pundits to label them as pretenders in the past. Even when they started 11-0 a couple of seasons ago, many knew they weren't that good, but were just winning games in true Mike Tomlin fashion. The team's ability to grind out victories in close contests kept them competitive, but there was always skepticism about whether they could sustain that level of play without a dynamic offense. 

The 2024 season feels a little different, though. Even with Russell Wilson struggling to find his rhythm and the offense failing to score a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens, there's a new sense of belief around Pittsburgh. This team knows they can win games because of their offense. With new leadership and a revamped offensive scheme, the Steelers are more confident in their ability to generate points, even if they haven't consistently shown it yet.

As the Steelers prepare to face off against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football, TJ Watt's brother JJ Watt joined The Pat McAfee Show. JJ got honest about this Steelers team not falling for the trap game because this team feels different. 

"A lot of people are saying that this is a typical trap-type game," JJ said. "Coming off a massive win against the Ravens for that first-place spot in the division. Going on the road, on a Thursday, into Cleveland, who aren’t having the best year, but obviously it’s still the AFC North."

JJ knows all about the Steelers losing games, having seen the ups and downs throughout his brother's career. There’s an ongoing debate about whether trap games really exist in the NFL, considering that every game is tough when you're facing professionals. However, if trap games do exist, this matchup against the Browns on the road, with a short week of preparation, would certainly qualify as one.

Pat McAfee pointed out that Tomlin has struggled in division games on Thursday nights in the past, but JJ isn’t buying into the idea of this being a trap game. He believes this Steelers team won’t fall into that trap. In fact, JJ is confident that this squad has the potential to contend for the Super Bowl, regardless of the challenges they face on a short week.

"You can’t ignore all of this stuff, but there is something that is a little different about this Steelers team," JJ said. "Even with that 11-0 team a couple of years ago. This team kind of does feel like they are putting all the pieces together at the right time."

There’s been a lot of talk about how TJ hasn’t won a playoff game in his career, and the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season.

Despite these struggles, Tomlin was given a contract extension, keeping him as head coach through the 2027 season. Still, fans are not satisfied with just regular season success.

Steelers' 2024 Season Feels Very Special

There’s a growing sense of urgency in the Steel City to end the playoff drought and make a Super Bowl run. This team has all the pieces to make it happen, and it’s starting to feel like anything short of a deep playoff push would be considered a failed season. 

That’s how good this Steelers team is — and how high the expectations have become. The offense is only going to get better, special teams has been elite, and the defense is playing outstanding football. They’re a complete team, and a win over the Browns to improve to 9-2 would turn heads and solidify their status as serious contenders.

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