Steelers' TJ Watt Owns Up To Latest Collapse Versus Bengals And Lays Out Perfect Recipe For Week 11

The Pittsburgh Steelers approach a critical divisional matchup this weekend, taking on the Cincinnati Bengals in the second of their two games over the course of the regular season. In the first game, the Steelers were utterly humiliated on defense, allowing current Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco to throw for 342 yards and three touchdowns. This was all part of a contest in which the Bengals and Steelers traded points back and forth, but ultimately, the Steelers were unable to hold the Bengals back from kicking the game-winning field goal as time expired in regulation.

This type of collapse on defense is something Steelers defensive players were asked about in the days following the first matchup against the Bengals, and these questions have resurfaced prior to the second game this coming Sunday. Among these players that were questioned about the previous collapse was Steelers superstar linebacker TJ Watt when he was recently available for questions from the media.

Watt took the podium and was asked about what the Steelers needed to do this time against the Bengals to prevent the same type of collapse. Watt's answer was very straightforward.

"A whole lot, a whole lot needs to be better," Watt said. "Stopping the run first and foremost, explosive plays, getting off the field and getting pressure. Even if the ball's coming out quickly, we gotta get our hands up, and just do whatever we can to disrupt them."

Watt's reply speaks volumes, as they were unable to accomplish any of the points he stated in the first matchup. Not only were the Steelers unable to get any pressure on Flacco, they were unable to cover the Bengals receivers on shorter routes. Bengals superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase set a historical precedent, catching a record 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown. When a receiver can set a single game record for receptions, that speaks volumes to both how great the receiver is, and how bad the opposing defense played in their inability to cover him. Watt's reply is comprehensive with regards to who needs to improve on defense if they're going to win what is essentially a must win rematch against the Bengals.

The interesting piece about Watt's comments on improving defensive performance is that these comments can also apply to himself. Watt hasn't had the typical season most would expect from him, not recording a game this season where he single-handedly took over and shut down the opposing team's offense up to this point. However, that isn't to say that Watt's performance has been bad. Over the course of the season, he has gotten better and made a more significant impact, but he hasn't had a truly game-wrecking performance to this point yet. It's likely coming soon as the season goes on, but aside from Watt's first monster game, the Steelers' defense has to fix a significant issue prior to the second game against the Bengals.

Steelers Need To Adjust Game Plan To Cover Short Routes

The most important issue the Steelers need to address going into the rematch against the Bengals is to cover their receivers on short routes. Chase destroyed the Steelers' defensive backs on shorter slant routes in the first matchup, and the Steelers can't afford another repeat performance from the superstar receiver. While getting pressure on Flacco will be paramount, as Watt's comments suggested, the team also needs to figure out how to limit gains created from short passes, especially those short passes thrown to Chase.

If the Steelers can't figure out a plan to stop Chase or the Bengals other impactful receivers, the game against the Bengals could get out of hand quickly, just as in the first matchup.

What did you think about Watt's comments about the defensive game plan? Let us know in the comments or on X at @SteelersSwamp7.

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