T.J. Watt has a history of dominating offensive linemen on his left side.
Often aligning over the RT, Watt has typically feasted on the lesser of the two tackle spots.
But in the last few years, teams have started double if not triple-teaming Watt, and he and the Pittsburgh Steelers have stood by and watched it happen.
Well, not anymore...
Watt Open to moving around the defense
I move around from time to time. I prefer the left, but at this point in my career, I want to be an impact player. I don’t want to be schemed out of games. I want to be able to deliver. It wasn’t a good enough year for me...
"...Teams are playing certain ways with chips and helps and things like that and getting the ball out quick. I need to be more open to moving around. I’m trying to affect games as much as possible. You guys know I want to affect the game more than anyone. I don’t want to selfishly take a different spot and have a rush. I definitely feel schematically it’s been a tough year as offenses have schemed things to take me out of the game. I have to find ways to make plays.”
Even in a down year, Watt was still a Pro Bowler, named to the All-Pro team, earned double-digit sacks, and led the league in forced fumbles. But between an ankle injury and the prevalence of other teams scheming against him, he was largely M.I.A. for the final month of the season.
To be honest, the move shouldn't be all on Watt, however. Sure he may prefer to line up over the right tackle, but it's the job of the defensive coordinator to hunt matchups for Watt, or create opportunities for him.
I don't care if that means putting him head up over the center or as wide as a slot corner. If it helps him rush the quarterback better, it doesn't matter.
Maybe Teryl Austin and Mike Tomlin will finally realize that in 2025.
