The Pittsburgh Steelers have been very lucky to have TJ Watt as a dominant defense player since he was selected back in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He is often overlooked because of how talented the edge rushers are throughout the league, but he doesn't seem to mind the disrespect. The 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year has been one of the most impactful individuals throughout his generation, which is why he is expected to continue performing at a high level. His 2025 season entering Week 8 can be looked at as a bit inconsistent, because the pass rusher has been hot and cold.
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Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt stands on the field as he enjoys a veteran day off while the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Throughout the Steelers' 2025 schedule, dominant defensive players such as Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons and Aidan Hutchinson, among others, are on the slate. This means that Watt needs to step up in the big moments, as he works in as Pittsburgh's biggest threat on that side of the ball. His five tackles for loss, four sacks, and one interception following Week 7 were respectable, but not unbelievable.
On ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, the crew talked about the big Week 8 matchup featuring the Steelers and Green Bay Packers. Former New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan highlighted both Parsons and Watt in a segment, but was less complimentary of Pittsburgh's star. Ryan is tired of watching Watt give up on plays when they don't start off in his favor.
"TJ Watt has been missing in action," Ryan said. "Man I'm just telling you, and one of the things... As he's rushing the passer, so many times, he's such a playmaker, he stops when his rush gets throttled, then he looks to get his hands up. What happens in that, you're slowing your best pass rusher down."
Ryan took it a step further to truly hammer his point home. He wants Watt to stop worrying about knocking a ball down near the line of scrimmage, and instead, continue pursuing the opposing quarterback.
"Don't be a volleyball player," Ryan stated. "Let your teammates do that. Let your teammates contain the quarterback. You fire at the quarterback and finish."
Steelers fans are very familiar with what Ryan is alluding to, but the truth of the matter is that Watt has been able to intercept passes in those situations. He seems to make a judgement based on how the play is developing, and then he lets his instincts kick in. Regardless, however, Ryan isn't very pleased with Watt giving up on his main objective, which is sacking signal-callers.
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Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt prepares to throw a football as he warms up on the playing surface at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA prior to a 2022 preseason game.
The NFL is absolutely loaded with talented edge rushers. For some reason, Watt tends to slip through the cracks, particularly in recent seasons. Whatever the reason is remains unknown, but fans in the Steel City certainly appreciate his efforts on a weekly basis. He signed a fresh extension with the organization in the 2025 offseason, so he will be expected to continue his strong play.
Sacks don't always tell the whole story for defenders in Watt's position, but they do hold a lot of weight. The next time the edge rusher leaps up and snags an interception out of the air, someone should have Ryan watch that film, because it is absolutely part of the future Hall of Famer's game.
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Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt (90) on the playing surface as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Remain Lucky To Have A Star In Watt
All NFL players have games that don't live up to their respective standards, but Watt has provided an incredible amount of consistency when healthy. He will continue to be a dominant player for Pittsburgh's defense, as he looks to block out any and all criticism, such as what came from Ryan on Sunday morning. Watt will continue to look for different ways affect matchups, no matter what the cost.
Do you think that Watt gives up on plays too early and simply just puts his hands in the air? Let us know in the comments below!
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