PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Out since the last time the Steelers played the Ravens, TJ Watt again made a huge play against Baltimore which helped the Steelers to the upset 26-24 win to get into the playoffs Sunday night.
Watt got help from the other Steelers outside linebacker with the game tied at 10 and the Ravens facing a 3rd and 10 at the Steelers 34. As Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson stood in the pocket and as he released the ball it was tipped by Alex Highsmith (originally ruled deflected by Cam Heyward) and into Watt’s hands.
Steelers would turn that drive into a field goal and take a first lead of the game.
“Just trying to rush,” Watt said. “Any time you play hard, man, the ball finds you and you just make plays. Any time you feel like you need to make a play, you just got to go as hard as you possibly can, as fast as you can. Even thought I wasn’t able to get to the quarterback, the ball just popped up in my ear and I was able to make the play.”
It was Watt’s first career pick against the Ravens, but in every other category he has feasted on Baltimore.
The 31-year-old has more wins against the Ravens (12-5) than any other opponent. His 81 tackles (60 solo) and four forced fumbles against Baltimore are career-highs. Watt also has 17 sacks against, 34 tackles for loss and five passes defensed against the Ravens.
“This series has been defined by great players,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “Earlier this week I was talking about TJ and Lamar (Jackson). You know, I didn’t question whether either guy was going to show up, you know, because that’s just the nature of this thing. Their relationship is tied together for life just like Big Ben and Suggs. It’s the men that make this rivalry what it is, and those two guys put that on display.”
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Watt became the second player in the NFL since 1982 to have over 100 career sacks and nine interceptions. He joins Pro Football Hall of Famer Julius Peppers.