PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Let’s say TJ Watt signs with the Steelers and returns to practice on Wednesday. Let’s say Watt doesn’t sign but shows up for practice ready to go on Wednesday. Would he be able to make an early impact?
Mike Tomlin said Tuesday it’s not fair to assume that Watt is regular or normal. He said with Watt’s unique talent, skillset and will. He likely could do what others can’t. Tomlin said he’s used to seeing ‘uniquely talented people rise up in the face of adversity or circumstance and exceed it’.
Tomlin pointed to watching NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald sit out in 2018 and work out in the Steelers facility during training camp. Yet be able to overcome.
Even as gifted as Donald is, was he able to overcome sitting out to make an early impact?
It’s true Donald had a great season in 2018. The Penn Hills grad finished with 20.5 sacks. However, even as great as Donald is, he didn’t get his first sack until week 4.
Titans tailback Chris Johnson held out most of camp in 2011 just two years removed from a 2,000 yard season. Johnson rushed for a total of 98 yards his first three games. Johnson had one hundred yard game (23-101) in his first eight games that season.
Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith held out in 1993. He would have one hundred yard game in his first four and go on to rush for 1,486 yards.
Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson held out twice. In 1985, Dickerson came out in the first game and rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns. He wouldn’t hit 100 yards again until week 7.
In 1990, Dickerson held out the first five weeks and would only have three hundred yard games and the first didn’t come until week 11.
Aliquippa grad and Pitt great Darrelle Revis held out in 2010. He would get a new contract just before the start of the season. Revis injured his hamstring in the second game that season. It affected him all year, playing in just 13 games with 32 tackles and no interceptions.
We don’t know how Watt will react. His situation is a little different because he’s around the team and did participate in individual drills. His work on the side during team periods often was more challenging than what the rest of his teammates did.
However, it’s not assured Watt will pick up at his Pro Bowl self without being in football shape.