PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - We all know how important TJ Watt is to the Steelers defense. That was on display again Sunday afternoon when Watt had another 1.5 sacks to break James Harrison’s team record. He also recovered a fumble which set up an insurance field goal that turned out to be key in the the19-13 win over the Titans which keeps the playoffs within realistic reach.
Basically, when Watt plays – or doesn’t get hurt – the Steelers wis. When he doesn’t, well, they don’t. The only complete game Watt played an lost was when he clearly came back too soon and was as ineffective as many of his teammates.
But Watt – one of the favorites for Defensive Player Of The Year - says don’t forget about cornerback Joe Haden’s value.
“He’s Joe Money, he’s got swag,” Watt smiled. “He makes a lot of those really smart, veteran plays and a lot of that stuff rubs off on other guys as well. Happy to have him back.”
Sure enough, with Haden in the line-up, the Steelers are now 6-2-1. Without him, they’re 1-4.
It’s a good thing Haden was back from his foot injury against Tennessee. Although he didn’t fill up the stat sheet, he recovered the fumbled that set up the game-tying field goal and his second tackle was the biggest of the game when he stopped Nick Westbrook-Ikhine well short of the sticks on fourth down to end the game (even though the Steelers had to sweat out a terrible spot).
“I wasn’t even close to begin with!” as Cam Heyward exclaimed postgame. “He’s a seasoned vet that’s seen a lot of football, understands formations and what teams are trying to do to us. Look at that last play. That’s what Joe did.”
Haden was only credited with 2 tackles but for a cornerback that’s usually a good thing since it means the man he’s assigned to cover isn’t catching the ball. It wasn’t just Haden in the secondary. Despite a few breakdowns here and there, Pittsburgh’s pass coverage was on point which helped lead to 4 sacks.
Terrell Edmunds had one of his best games as a Steeler with 10 tackles, 2 behind the line of scrimmage. Minkah Fitzpatrick was in on 14 tackles and recovered a fumble.
It went beyond the stars and starters. Taco Charlton batted a pass at then line which Joe Schobert picked off. When Watt briefly left the game for one play on Tennessee’s final drive, Derrek Tuszka came through with a sack/fumble which the Titans recovered but it pushed them back and resulted in the final turnover on downs.
“It’s not just his playmaking. It’s the presence that he brings,” Mike Tomlin said. “:He’s got leadership skills, he’s got great experience. He’s smiles in the face of adversity, that’s contagious. There was some tangible and intangible quality to his presence today.”
Yes, the second half shutdown against Tennessee did do beyond Watt and Haden but check this out.
When both Watt and Haden are healthy - for an entire game - the Steelers are 6-0.
Joe Haden is pretty important, too.