Steelers' TJ Watt Welcomes Enormous Challenge That Could Swing AFC North Race

The Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed the luxury of watching TJ Watt turn opposing offensive tackles into expensive spectators for nearly a decade. Divisional opponents have spent countless hours trying to figure out how to keep him away from their quarterbacks, often sacrificing other elements of their offenses in the process. However, the balance of power along the line of scrimmage is beginning to change within the AFC North. Watt sounded genuinely excited Friday about another opportunity to test himself against one of the reasons why.

The Cincinnati Bengals appear to have finally found a long-term answer at right tackle in Amarius Mims. The 18th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft is enjoying a breakout third season, and Pittsburgh experienced his development firsthand during its 30-27 victory over Cincinnati in Week 3.

Watt finished that afternoon without a sack or a pressure, according to Pro Football Focus. Mims had already established himself as one of the league's most impressive young blockers entering the contest, but keeping one of the NFL's premier pass rushers quiet certainly helped get the attention of people outside Cincinnati.

Speaking with reporters during his media availability on Friday, Watt acknowledged how much Mims has improved since entering the league.

“Enormous human being. Long arms. I mean, I feel like he's gotten better the longer he's been in the league, and I look forward to the matchup every time we play,” Watt said.

Enormous might actually be underselling it. Cincinnati officially lists Mims at 6-foot-8 and 350 pounds, which is a fairly ridiculous combination considering how comfortably he moves his feet against some of the quickest athletes in professional football.

The physical tools were never really in question with Mims. The former Georgia standout entered the NFL with relatively limited starting experience in college, making his development particularly important. Cincinnati essentially drafted a collection of extraordinary physical traits and trusted its coaching staff to turn them into a reliable professional tackle.

That investment is beginning to pay off in a big way.

According to PFF, Mims allowed 37 pressures across 694 pass-blocking snaps in 2025. He opened the 2026 campaign without allowing a single pressure through his first three contests. Cincinnati also reported in late October that Mims was leading all NFL tackles with a pressure rate allowed of just 3.4%, per Next Gen Stats.

The frightening part for Pittsburgh is that Mims is only 24 years old.

Watt's acknowledgment of his length is particularly interesting because so much of the veteran's success comes from winning the battle with his hands. Mims can make contact with defenders before they get close enough to attack his chest. His ability to maintain balance also makes it considerably more difficult for rushers to threaten the outside shoulder before countering inside.

Cincinnati's newfound confidence in Mims has implications that extend well beyond Watt's individual numbers. If the Bengals believe their right tackle can survive without consistent assistance, they have more flexibility to send tight ends into routes or shift additional protection toward Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig.

That is a luxury Cincinnati hasn't always enjoyed against Pittsburgh. Quarterback Joe Burrow enters Sunday night with a league-leading 23 touchdown passes, and his offensive line has allowed only 15 sacks through eight contests. Giving Burrow even more options in the passing game sounds like a wonderful idea for everybody except the defensive backs responsible for covering them.

Pittsburgh already experienced how difficult it can be to generate pressure against Cincinnati. Burrow was sacked just once in September, and that sack arrived on the final play of the contest. The Steelers cannot count on another late escape if the Bengals consistently keep their quarterback comfortable.

Steelers Should Make Mims Earn Every Snap Against Watt

Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham has become increasingly aggressive with his pressure packages, and Pittsburgh should carry that approach into Cincinnati. Moving Watt around the formation and forcing Mims to adjust to different rush combinations could prevent the young tackle from settling into another comfortable afternoon.

Watt has already surpassed his sack total from last season, collecting 7.5 through eight appearances. He recorded two in Pittsburgh's most recent victory over the Cleveland Browns, helping the defense enter its bye week with plenty of momentum.

As much as fans would love to watch Watt personally dismantle Mims on Sunday night, Pittsburgh shouldn't become obsessed with making that happen. Creating favorable opportunities for its other pass rushers is just as valuable, particularly against a quarterback who can punish an overly aggressive defense in a hurry.

There is also something refreshing about Watt's attitude toward the matchup. He knows how difficult the assignment has become, openly acknowledges the improvements Mims has made and still looks forward to spending three hours trying to ruin his evening.

With both teams sitting at 6-2, the winner takes sole possession of first place in the AFC North. Mims may be getting better every year, but Watt has an excellent opportunity to remind Cincinnati exactly how high the standard still is.

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