The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the best defensive units in the entire NFL, and a lot of that has to do with star outside linebacker TJ Watt. Watt has been an absolute game-wrecker ever since he was drafted by the Steelers with the 30th overall pick back in the 2017 NFL Draft, and he has led the NFL in sacks in three separate seasons. He is the first player in history to reach that feat, and he is trying to make it a fourth season in 2025. He just inked a fresh extension that will keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2028 season, which is something the fan base is extremely happy about.
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Outside linebackers Nick Herbig (left) and TJ Watt (right) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Watt is gearing up to have a great season in 2025, which is something that is needed after the defense struggled down the stretch in 2024. He didn't record a sack in the final four games of the season, which is a rarity for the star defender. He started the 2024 season off strong against the Atlanta Falcons as he recovered a fumble and sacked the quarterback in Week 1, but he was wrongfully called offsides as well which took an additional sack away from him. The defender told Graham Bensinger on his show In Depth With Graham Bensinger that he now speaks to the officiating crew before games to let them know about how efficiently he gets off the line of scrimmage.
"I basically tell the official before every game," Watt said. "I say, 'Listen, I know it's going to look like I'm offsides. I promise you I'm not offsides. I've studied this snap count countless times, I know what I'm listening to, I know when the ball is being snapped 80 percent of the time. Sometimes I'm taking a chance, but I want you to know that it is going to look like I'm leaving early, but I'm moving at the exact same time as the ball.' From that point on, they were pretty good about not calling it."
Something that makes Watt so good at what he does is his get off. He is often in the backfield just as the quarterback is getting the football, and that is because of how committed Watt is to studying and learning opposing offense's snap counts. The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year is so quick off the ball that it was used to his detriment against Atlanta, but now he has implemented a process where hopefully it won't happen again.
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Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt talks with longtime defensive leader Cam Heyward during training camp.
Watt also shared during his interview with Bensinger that he is working on his stance when he lines up on the edge. He is working on his first steps and how he swings his arm in an effort to get off the line even faster. He already has arguably the fastest get off in the NFL when it comes to his position, and it is only going to get faster as he continues to tweak his game.
It sounds like the fan base in Pittsburgh should expect Watt to have another massive season, which is something everyone is hopeful for after he got his extension during the 2025 offseason.
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Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt (90) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers' TJ Watt Is Set Up To Have A Great Start To The 2025 Season
Pittsburgh is taking on the New York Jets in Week 1 of the 2025 season, and Watt will be lining up across from a rookie right tackle for most of the game. The rookie will likely have a lot of help from tight ends and running backs when it comes to blocking Watt on passing downs, but the outside linebacker might still find a way to take advantage of the situation. The Jets have sounded confident about their plan for handling Watt, but other teams have said that in the past and it has not gone well for them.
What do you think about Watt's conversations with the officials? Let us know in the comments below!
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