PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – 'Hack a TJ'. It's the comparison the Steelers defensive coordinator made on Tuesday about the lack of penalties called on those trying to stop TJ Watt.
Watt said after the game on Sunday that the NFL has something against him in terms of being held numerous times without it being called. His defensive coordinator agreed on Tuesday, at least with the holding.
"I think TJ runs into what all of the elite rushers do, these guys are going to hold you until they can't, because a lot of times that's the only way you can block him," said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.
He then said it was like Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA, as his career continued and he struggled shooting free throws, opposing teams would foul him as a strategy. Austin said it got to the point where they would foul him so much and everyone knew it was a foul, but they didn't call it anymore because it was just commonplace.
"He's got to keep plugging away and when he has an opportunity to win, and he'll still win, that he does that," Austin said. "I share in his frustration, but I don't think there is anything we can do about it. We can complain and do all that, but it doesn't solve the problem. You deal with it and continue to go."
He said at times it's what tackles need to do to survive. They are doing whatever they need to do to protect their quarterback. Austin said to continue to complain about it will be what Mike Tomlin calls 'sport bitching' and he said they are not going to bitch about their circumstances.
"We are just going to play and fight through it," Austin said. "TJ will fight through and he'll do it because he's a good pro and he's a great player."
Austin added sometimes when you are around him, you might take Watt for granted. He said you shouldn't because he's a special player.
"You are not going to see a guy like that for a while," Austin said.
Injuries
Austin is dealing with multiple injuries on defense and right now they are focused at one position, middle linebacker. Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb are done for the year. Elandon Roberts hasn't been ruled out, but is dealing with a groin injury and doesn't want to rush it. Once a luxury to have three starters, likely all three won't play with Mark Robinson, Mykal Walker and likely Blake Martinez and Myles Jack in the mix Thursday night.
Has Austin ever had a situation with so many people down at one position.
"I'm sure it's happened," Austin said. "I'm sure it happens across the league. Really nobody gives a s*$# it's just, do you get it done. We have to get it done."
