The Pittsburgh Steelers’ once-renowned defense is now facing significant challenges, particularly with star linebacker T.J. Watt drawing scrutiny for his performance this season. Critics are pointing to Watt’s hefty contract, making him the highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL at $41 million per year, surpassing Myles Garrett’s previous record. However, since signing the extension, Watt’s performance has not matched expectations, raising questions about whether he deserved such a lucrative deal.
Last season, Watt struggled with consistency, failing to register a sack in 10 out of 18 games, and this year has seen only modest improvements. He has recorded no sacks in three of the seven games played this season and managed just half a sack in two additional games, totaling four sacks which places him 21st among NFL edge rushers. Interestingly, he trails behind backup Nick Herbig, who has 4.5 sacks. For context, Garrett leads the league with 10 sacks while Micah Parsons of Green Bay has 6.5.
Watt’s inability to apply constant pressure has become apparent, as he often finds himself neutralized by double teams and moved off his position with chipping tactics that used to be less effective against him. Supporters of Watt have attributed these issues to defensive schemes and opposing offenses, but critics argue that this is not new territory for him. Throughout his earlier career, Watt consistently found ways to overcome such obstacles, demonstrating his elite playmaking ability.
Current statistics paint a disappointing picture for Watt, highlighting that he has only managed 11 sacks in his last 17 games—a stark contrast to the standards expected of a player commanding quarterback-level money. Many believe that Watt should have been allowed to honor the final year of his previous contract to prove his worth before being considered for an extension.
As the Steelers navigate this turbulent period, questions remain about the decisions made regarding player contracts and whether they align with the team’s current performance and future aspirations. The hope is that with adjustments in strategy or perhaps a change in approach, Watt and the Steelers’ defense can reclaim their formidable status in the league.