PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Straight stats would tell you he had four tackles and one quarterback hurry, the impact much more that than with TJ Watt back and a 20-10 win over New Orleans on Sunday.
The crowd rose to during the media timeout before the defense took the field for the first time Watt played at Acrisure Stadium this year. The Defensive Player of the Year bouncing around waiting for commercials to end.
“First couple of plays he’s in the backfield making tackles and the crowd was feeding off of it as well,” said Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith. “First series in there, getting people in the game. When a guy like him gets back in the game, it brings a lot to the defense. It was awesome to have him back.”
“He brings so much energy to the defense. His presence was felt immediately.”
“It's fun, man,” Watt said. “When you feel like you can control the crowd and get them involved, I'm always going to try my best. It is a competitive advantage. Especially playing at home. When they get loud, makes it tough for offenses. I'm here to make plays and help make a difference in the game. That's what I'm going to continue to try to do.”
Watt said before the game he wanted to play his game and not try to do too much as him being out of position would affect others. Cam Heyward noted on a pretty innocuous play of that very effect.
“There was one play, T.J. took the assignment of, you know, taking Taysom Hill out of the play. With that, getting the ball out of his hands, I think we gave up a ten-yard run, but you could see the execution there. So the execution I just thought picked up in the run defense, and then that led to the sacks, a couple of sacks and the turnovers as well.”
“We talk about wanting to create splash here,” Watt said. “We need splash. We need to continue to do it, and it's something we're always hunting, but it comes with creating an incredible atmosphere, and that's what we had today.”
Highsmith had a couple of splash plays, a pair of sacks for 17 yards in losses adding a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry. Oh, and on one of the sacks, Highsmith forced a fumble. Why Watt believes they work so well together?
“I mean, when there's so much chipping on one side or the other, you can't block everybody up front,” Watt said. “I think Cam Heyward has done a great job. Chris Wormley, Larry Ogunjobi has done a phenomenal job as well. It's to a point when if you're one-dimensional, someone is going to get through. It's just a matter of time.”
“Today, Alex got through quickly and was able to up the game. He deserves it. He works his ass off.”
As does Watt and having him back not only meant a ton to his teammates, coaches, staff and Steelers fans. It was special for him.
“I mean, those moments, it's hard when you're in the actual moment to feel,” Watt said. “I mean, it's just full body chills, and it's like you wish you could freeze time for just one second while you're looking around and people are going crazy.”
“But just super happy, more than anything, to get the win today.”