T.J. Watt Reveals Key Game-Plan Change That Led To Defensive Resurgence Against Colts
For T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, less was more Sunday afternoon. For a group underwhelming relative to talent, the team went back to basics. Stop the run, beat blocks, force turnovers. That stopped a red-hot Indianapolis Colts offense in its tracks, giving the ball away six times and held to 20 points in just their second loss of the season.
Speaking after the Steelers’ 27-20 win, Watt said a simpler strategy was key.
“Just pin our ears back. Simplifying the game plan,” Watt told CBS sideline reporter Evan Washburn immediately after the game. “Things we talked about all week. Smashing the run obviously helps. Offense did their job today and we just wanted to go out there and create turnovers. And we did it.”
A simpler game plan was created partially out of necessity. Pittsburgh had multiple secondary injuries, especially at safety. Jalen Ramsey shifted to the position full-time Sunday while Kyle Dugger, who didn’t practice until last Thursday, played 77 of the Steelers’ 78 defensive snaps. Mike Tomlin gave him a game ball for his efforts. The plan was also slimmed down to increase team speed and reduce communication breakdowns. Pittsburgh blitzed less, focused more on coverage, and used two-high shells to keep a lid on the Colts’ vertical attack.
Pittsburgh had six takeaways for the first time since 2010. Five of those came on defense. Watt had a helping hand in the action, forcing a key strip/sack fumble of QB Daniel Jones that Watt recovered. His 35th forced fumble of his career, 10 more than any other NFL player since Watt entered the league in 2017.
That opened the floodgates for the rest of the defense to join in. Alex Highsmith forced a fumble that DL Derrick Harmon recovered while the Steelers intercepted QB Daniel Jones three times. CB Joey Porter Jr., ILB Payton Wilson, and EDGE Jack Sawyer all came away with the ball. Entering the game, Jones had thrown just three interceptions all season. The Colts had turned it over just four total times.
The Steelers broke a 13-quarter takeaway drought. And ended a week of intense criticism for their lackluster play on defense. Not that Watt needed outside scolding to know things must improve.
“We critique ourselves very hard ourselves, so there’s a lot of film that needed to be corrected,” Watt said. “We didn’t need people from the outside telling us. We took plenty of pride in fixing it.”
Of course, Watt knows as well as anyone it’s a week-to-week league. Pittsburgh can’t rest on its laurels after one impressive outing.
“We can’t be licking ourselves all over after one game,” he said. “We just need get back in the lab and attack next week.”
Next week comes against the Los Angeles Chargers, who are likely to play the game without star left tackle Joe Alt. That’s good news for a Steelers pass rush that’s feeling it, though Pittsburgh has disappointed in seemingly advantageous matchups before.
The Steelers don’t need to be licking but must continue the picking in order to keep sticking opponents with losses — and the Steelers with wins.
You Won’t Believe What Anthony Gould Just Did for the Colts – A Bold Move That Could Lead Them to Glory!
In an unprecedented move that could send shockwaves through the NFL, Indianapolis Colts star Anthony Gould has put his money where his mouth is — literally. Despite being sidelined and unable to play, Gould has publicly announced that he’s ready to take a MASSIVE pay cut to help the
Is this a PR stunt, or is Anthony Gould the selfless hero the Colts need to seal their championship fate? According to sources close to the team, Gould's offer is genuine — and management has been blown away by his commitment to winning.
"I cannot play right now, but I can still fight for the team in another way," Gould said, leaving fans speechless. "If reducing my salary helps us add players and get closer to the Lombardi Trophy, I am ready to do it. I love the
But the question remains: Will other NFL stars follow Gould's lead? Can a pay cut actually be the secret weapon the
Sources reveal that Colts management is seriously considering his offer, and fans are already going wild. Could this be the ultimate act of leadership, or is it a desperation move from a team desperate to get over the hump?
With his reputation as one of the league’s most dominant players, Anthony Gould’s offer could be the spark that ignites the Colts’ journey to the promised land. Will his gamble pay off, or will it all blow up in the
Stay tuned as we continue to track Gould’s incredible gesture, and find out whether other stars will join the
