How T.J. Watt Discussed Steelers Defense’s Start To 2025 Season

T.J. Watt knows he and the Pittsburgh Steelers defense haven’t played up to their usual standards early in the 2025 season.

For the first time since 2002, the Steelers began a season by allowing more than 30 points in back-to-back games. They’ve relinquished the fourth-most yards entering Sunday’s road matchup against the New England Patriots.

Watt also hasn’t made his usual mark. The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year is still seeking his first sack of the season despite tallying two quarterback hits in last Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

The All-Pro pass rusher reflected on his performance Friday, per Steelers.com’s Teresa Varley.

“I’m not affecting the game like I want to,” Watt said. “Trying to find each and every way to do so. Trying to turn over every stone. Trying to flip sides, trying stunts. Trying to do everything.”

The Steelers have allowed 299 rushing yards and four touchdowns through two games after ranking sixth against the run in 2024. Watt identified that as one of the top concerns for Pittsburgh’s defense to fix.

“Obviously, not being able to stop the run, getting as many hats to the ball as possible, creating more splash,” Watt said. “We had two picks, but just long drives. Not being able to get off the field on third down has been killing us. A lot of things that aren’t representative of what we stand for here at the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially our defensive side of the ball.”

The Jets and Seahawks focused heavily on containing Watt. Pro Football Focus noted that only Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons drew a higher rate of double teams than Watt (66.7%) this season.

“I’m just trying to make an impact any way I possibly can,” he said.

Watt will look to spark a defensive rebound when the Steelers play the Patriots this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

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