T.J. Watt of the Steelers sends the NFL a subtle angry message
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt expressed his disdain for the allegations against him this season.
Despite Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin describing the loss to the Arizona Cardinals as “a terrible day at the office,” linebacker T.J. Watt gave another great performance. In the 24-10 loss, Watt recorded six total tackles, including one for loss, two linebacker hits, 0.5 sacks and a pass defensed.
It could be a more significant day. Maybe not statistically, but more than once it looked like the ref might have called a penalty for a Cardinals offensive lineman blocking Watt to break up a big Arizona drive.
Officials said the Cardinals had two offensive tackles in Week 13. But such transgressions are not against Watt.
After the loss, Watt became frustrated with the lack of penalties not only in Week 13, but throughout the season. “I don’t know. I don’t want to say anything negative about the NFL because they have it against me,” Watt told the media. “I don’t know what I did, but I’ll leave it at that.”
T. J. Watt laments the lack of punitive measures
Holding penalties is a complicated subject in the NFL. Referees can call every play if they want to, but they can’t. Half of them can’t talk about it. Otherwise, the NFL would be a terrible product. However, Watt will likely pay more in fines than the average NFL lineback. He is one of the best linebacks in the NFL.
On November 29, Tomlin said he is the best defensive player in the world. Therefore, not many people can stop it. But Watt may have reached Shaquille O’Neal levels of dominance.
In his NBA prime, O’Neal was so big and strong that referees hesitated to call him a flagrant foul. To level the playing field, NFL officials can side with the offensive linemen instead of Watt when deciding whether to call a penalty on each play.
Watt’s message to the league could be his way of fighting to get more calls down the road. But like many Steelers players and fans after Week 13, Watt was upset about losing to a previously 2-10 team and let that issue boil over into some of his reactions to the media.
Steelers defense needs Watt, Alex Highsmith Week 14
Whether through more penalties or traditional sacks and tackles for loss, the Steelers will need Watt to put on one of his best performances to get back to Week 14.
The Steelers need one game for Alex Highsmith to come back strong. Highsmith had 1.5 sacks in Week 13, recording his first sack in four games. Pittsburgh suffered a lot of injuries against the Cardinals. As a result, the Steelers could get a top-three linebacker along with lineback Kenny Pickett on Dec. 7 against the New England Patriots. The Patriots have lost five in a row, but have held opponents to 10 points or fewer in their last three games.
The Steelers could find themselves in another defensive struggle in Week 14. A sack or forced fumble by Watt could make the difference.
How officials decide Watt’s punishment may vary.
