It's amazing to think there was some question about whether the Steelers would sign T.J. Watt to a massive extension before the season started. A transcendental star player in the prime of his career is always worth breaking the rules for.
The Steelers shattered their longstanding edict of not fully guaranteeing payments beyond the first season of a veteran deal when they signed Watt to a four-year, $112 million extension with $80 million guaranteed. Though Watt was on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, the Steelers rightfully decided to reward their franchise pillar. He now makes more per season than star Chargers pass-rusher Joey Bosa, who inked his lucrative $135 million deal last offseason.
Watt's value was on full display during the Steelers 23-20 overtime win over the Seahawks, his right hooks to Alex Collins not withstanding. The perennial All-Pro was the hero of the game with his overtime strip-sack of Geno Smith, and finished with seven tackles, including an additional sack and three tackles for loss. Watt was also credited with three passes defended.
His strip-sack of Smith in OT was the definition of a superstar play. After shutting out Seattle in the first half, Pittsburgh's defense was gashed in the second half. Collins ran all over them and Smith was able to move the ball. Even with 1:30 remaining in regulation, the Steelers failed to stop the Seahawks. It was an embarrassing performance.
Then Watt saved them.
It's apparent the Steelers' defense will be forced to step up if they're going to make a serious playoff push. While Ben Roethlisberger has played better in recent weeks — he came through with an efficient 29-of-40 for 229 and one touchdown Sunday — he can't be counted on to win games with his arm anymore.
Watt may have to win them with his bone-shattering hits.
Six weeks through the season, he's accumulated seven sacks, seven tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and 12 hits on the quarterback. And he was a total beast Sunday. Watt sacked Smith on the Seahawks' first drive of overtime as well.
It would've been catastrophic if the Steelers had lost to the Seahawks, at least in a football sense. Just two weeks ago, they were in the midst of a three-game skid and getting scorched for their subpar play. Steve Young almost had a conniption about their lack of a plan at quarterback on national TV.
A loss to the Smith-led Seahawks would've catapulted those narratives back to the forefront. But now, the Steeler are 3-3, with two games against the Bears and Lions on the horizon. They face the Browns Sunday, but may be catching them at the right time. Cleveland has lost two straight, and Baker Mayfield is hurt.
They could run the table over the next month.
At this point, it's hard to imagine the Steelers keeping pace with the Ravens. But their first game against Baltimore on Dec. 5 may actually mean something now.
Watt's heroics are the primary reason for that.
