T.J. Watt has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier defensive talents, consistently impacting games for the Pittsburgh Steelers. On Friday, Cincinnati Bengals tackle Orlando Brown Jr. joined ESPN’s NFL Live to highlight Watt’s dominance, naming him the third most difficult player he has ever faced in pass protection. Brown emphasized Watt’s relentless ability to make plays despite the challenges blockers pose.
Watt’s Multifaceted Impact on the Field
Brown’s assessment points to Watt’s influence beyond mere quarterback pressure. While Watt’s pass-rushing skills are widely recognized, Brown noted that even when he feels successful in pass blocking, Watt manages to disrupt plays through tackles for loss. Brown ranked his top five toughest opponents as: J.J. Watt first, Myles Garrett second, T.J. Watt third, Nick Bosa fourth, and Melvin Ingram fifth.
The statistics reinforce this view. T.J. Watt has led the entire NFL in sacks on three occasions, underlining his exceptional pass-rushing ability. Yet, equally impressive is his impact against the run — Watt topped the league in tackles for loss consecutively in 2020 and 2021, recording 23 and 21, respectively. These achievements showcase his versatility and value as a disruptive defensive force.
Consistency and Efficiency Over Recent Seasons
Although Watt’s sack numbers slightly declined in 2024, his performance against the run remained strong with 19 tackles for loss last year, matching the previous season’s total. Since 2020, he has maintained at least 19 tackles for loss in every campaign except 2022, a year affected by injury. His tackling efficiency is also notable; last season, he posted a career-low missed tackle rate of 6.2 percent, reflecting his precision and reliability on the field.
Current Contract Dispute and Its Implications
Despite his on-field excellence, Watt is currently navigating a contract dispute with the Steelers. Similar to Trey Hendrickson, Watt chose not to attend the mandatory minicamp, opting instead to take a fine as a form of protest. This decision marks a departure from his previous conduct and adds complexity to his status with the team.
Outlook for Watt’s Role with the Steelers and NFL
Even amid the contract situation, the Steelers are well aware of Watt’s critical role in their defense and appear committed to resolving the matter. Brown’s respect for Watt’s abilities reflects the general consensus that Pittsburgh is stronger with Watt on the field. The organization and fans alike will be watching closely for a resolution, hoping to see their star defender return to full participation soon.