Steelers' TJ Watt Reveals Key To Controlling Ravens' Lamar Jackson Ahead Of Week 11 Showdown

The Pittsburgh Steelers' biggest game of the season is coming up in Week 11 against their hated divisional rival, the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers have been counted out since before the season even started. The change of offensive coordinator to Arthur Smith, the new quarterbacks in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, and the lack of a solid number two wide receiver were all factors. Many believed the Steelers are running a dated system with the old-school mentality of "defense wins championships." 

The Steelers' offense looks markedly better with quarterback Wilson finally playing and getting the ball to freak athlete wide receiver George Pickens. Wilson might be new to the Steelers, but the former Super Bowl winner is no stranger to rivalries or the importance of big games. The Steelers are hoping to take advantage of a Ravens secondary that has been struggling a bit more than normal this season. 

However, it is the Steelers' defense that could really make the difference between a win or a loss on Sunday. One of the Ravens' biggest weapons has been their quarterback Lamar Jackson, but Jackson rarely seems to be available when the two teams match up. When he plays, the Steelers seem to have his number, and they're 3-1 against the two-time MVP when he starts. 

But this Jackson, who is gunning for a third MVP, is not the same one that the Steelers have faced in the past. He is an improved passer, not just a threat with his legs. The Ravens also added running back Derrick Henry in the offseason, and he looks as incredible as ever. 

No one knows better than edge rusher TJ Watt how important it is to defend against Jackson consistently. Sporting a freshly shaved head, the media recently asked him how he approaches defending Jackson. According to a video posted to X by Chris Adamski from Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, it is all about the basics.         

"Make sure the schematics guys playing fast," said Watt. "Simple, defensive things like guys doing their job, trusting everybody to do their job and tackling. Tackling is huge. Being able to tackle the football, second guy in punches the ball, things like that."

Watt has a 10-4 record against the Ravens during his career, which includes 52 solo tackles, 16 assists, 16 sacks, and one fumble recovery in those 14 games. The Steelers and Watt cannot completely shut down Jackson and company; they can only hope to contain them. According to Fox Sports, the Ravens have the top offense in the league through the first 10 weeks. They are averaging 440.2 yards per game and have scored 39 touchdowns. 

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