TJ Watt again provides spark for Steelers

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Rams had taken the lead late going into halftime on a play where the Steelers defense looked confused. They would get the ball to start the second half as the Steelers offense had 91 first-half yards with a couple of key penalties to stop any momentum.

Then immediately it changed. Throwing for 159 yards with the touchdown and a 111.2 QB rating the first two quarters, Matt Stafford dropped back to pass looking to build off that late first-half touchdown. He wasn't the only one who dropped back.

Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker TJ Watt not only dropped back, but was split out wide almost like a safety and then made a play like one.

"Eyes on the quarterback, was able to see him work his way back to my side of the field," Watt explained. "I was able to jump in front and make a play on the ball."

Mike Tomlin explained they've dropped him in coverage before, but not often that far off the line of scrimmage. The Steelers head coach said the reason they remain in a 3-4 defense is for the versatility to be able to allow a player like Watt to a play like that.

"Sparked us," said Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. "He does what he does. He always says it takes one play to spark it. A majority of the time it's him making the plays.

"It started with TJ's pick," said linebacker Alex HIghsmith. "That was huge, being able to make that play. That's what he does. He just makes big plays that we need."

Watt not only caught his seventh career interception, but added yards after catch like a receiver taking it down to the Rams seven-yard line. He scored the game-winning touchdown against the Browns earlier this year on a scoop-and-score. Watt also ended the game against the Ravens with a six-yard sack of Lamar Jackson on fourth down after recording a fumble in that game.

"A hell of a player," Pickett said. "A hell of a leader. Got us going, glad we got in the end zone there."

Pickett was able to score on a QB sneak to give the Steelers a lead. No way in watching that first half would you have thought the Steelers would take a lead and once again it started with their 2017 first-round pick.

"If you watch us play, that's what always happens," Tomlin said. "TJ is an 'A' player. He's capable of inspiring his teammates. He's capable of making game-turning plays. I don't think any of us who work with him are surprised by that."

"Anytime you can get some kind of spark to get us going and be able to continue to play good football late in games," Watt said. "We need to continue to progress and grow from it."

They are able to progress and grow with a win only because Watt started the fire.