The Pittsburgh Steelers got beat by the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday by a score of 27-13. It was not a pretty game for Pittsburgh as they were dominated in nearly every phase of the game, but there were some bright spots. Chris Boswell shined as usual as he went two for two on field goals for the day, as did outside linebacker TJ Watt. Watt was going up against one of the best right tackles of all-time in Lane Johnson and he was able to have a pretty productive day.
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Steelers' TJ Watt sacks Eagles Jalen Hurts during a loss in 2024.
It was a meeting of two of the best at their own position with Watt and Johnson, and each player made the other work hard to succeed. Watt went down in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury, but up until then, he was having some levels of success against Johnson. He recorded two sacks at the end of the first half, while also forcing a fumble on a scramble by Jalen Hurts. Johnson spoke to the media after the game, and shared what it was like going against Watt.
"Yeah, I guess he went around the edge and then I saw him kind of like, I don't know, I don't think anything popped. But I saw him grab like the back of his knee," Johnson said of Watt going down with an injury. "You don't want to see a player, any player, much less him, go through anything like that. Because I think he is probably the best player I've gone against."
Thankfully Watt's injury doesn't seem to be serious as it has been described as a low-ankle sprain. He may even be able to return to the field in Week 16 if the coaching staff doesn't decide to keep him out for precautionary reasons. Johnson's comments perfectly describe Watt's excellence, though. The right tackle entered the league back in 2013. He has seen a lot of competition and gone against a ton of great players, but Watt seems to be at the top of the list.
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Steelers' TJ Watt looks on in pain after suffering an ankle injury against the Eagles in 2024.
Johnson is one of the more respected players throughout the NFL, mainly due to his tenure and consistent quality of play. Watt managed to get two sacks on Johnson, but they were more on the quarterback for running around and holding the ball for too long than the right tackle. Johnson spoke more about going against Watt.
"You know his production is always up there every year," Johnson said. "I think his effort, I think his arsenal of moves, I think he's probably one of the the most intelligent football players I've played against. I would say that. He's unbelievable."
This shows the impact Watt has on a game. Even if he isn't getting to the quarterback, he is still making the right tackle work hard for an extended period of time, which will eventually be a benefit for the defense. Johnson also spoke about how exhausted he was after the game, thanks to Watt making him work.
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Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt celebrate a turnover against the Baltimore Ravens.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Optimistic About TJ Watt In Week 16
The Steelers have a chance to clinch the AFC North in Week 16 as they prepare to travel to take on the Baltimore Ravens. Watt's status is currently up in the air and he is questionable, but Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media on Monday and shared that he is a bit optimistic about Watt.
The coaching staff certainly doesn't want to rush Watt back onto the field, but the Steelers don't usually play well when he isn't available. Pittsburgh already has its spot in the playoffs, so it is important Watt's long-term health is prioritized.
What do you think about Johnson's comments? Let us know in the comments below!
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