One Pittsburgh Steelers player plans on taking a different approach to the offseason after a first-round playoff exit.
Headlined by star linebacker T.J. Watt, the Steelers defense could not hold back opponents toward the end of the regular season or the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. Watt, one of the Steelers’ best defenders in franchise history, cooled off down the stretch and failed to record a tackle in the last two games of the year.
After a rough finish to the season, Watt commented on how he will need to make changes this offseason to make more of an impact, as transcribed by Sports Illustrated’s Ari Meyer.
“Definitely feel like, schematically, it’s been a tough year for how offenses scheme things to try to get me out of the game,” Watt said. “It’s gonna be a big breakdown for me to try to find ways to make plays. I’m not making excuses for myself at all. I wanna make plays. I need to find ways to continue to win off of chips and slides and things of that nature. I’m gonna work tirelessly this offseason to get that sorted.”
“I need to be more open to moving around more and trying to affect games as much as possible. You guys know I wanna affect the game more than anybody, but I don’t wanna selfishly take another guy’s, go to a different spot where I feel like I could have a better rush than on the left side.”
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By no means did Watt have a bad year. The veteran linebacker forced six fumbles and recovered two but only had 11.5 sacks, his lowest sack total in a full year he’s played since 2018. It won’t be surprising if Watt improves his play next season after making adjustments.
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