By G.Stryker
SteelerNation.com
Watching Bud Dupree and TJ Watt over the last couple of years has been a lot like watching the old 1960's era Batman TV show. TJ Watt would handle the majority of enemies that the Joker, Penguin, or Riddler would throw at them, then “BANG!” "BOOM!" "KAPOW!” He’s splitting double teams, and creating sack/fumbles. Bud would swoop in from the other side with his own brand of scrappy justice, and contribute to saving the day by making his own plays. “Holy heroics TJ, we got em’ good!”
In the past, it felt like a Batman and Robin situation, but this year is different. It appears that both of them have stepped up their game. TJ has already forced 5 fumbles, recovered 3, has 2 interceptions, 12.5 sacks, and leads the league in QB pressures. Bud has forced 4 fumbles, recovered 2, has 9.5 sacks, and also leads the team in tackles for a loss with 13. That's one more than TJ, which speaks to how well he is getting off of blocks in the run game.
While TJ is otherworldly, Bud has become a legit superhero in his own right. He’s now the one splitting double teams and creating havoc by himself. Now, other teams have to pick their poison on who to double team, and there is no right answer. If you choose one, the other is coming, and if you double both of them, the interior breaks down and Cam Heyward or Javon Hargrave come in to feast.
This defense is special to watch, and even though TJ Watt and Bud Dupree are a dynamic duo, they are no longer Batman and Robin. They are Batman and Superman! And I for one can’t wait to see them fight crime on Sundays: Same bat time. Same bat channel.
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