The Pittsburgh Steelers ignited a wave of anticipation this offseason with a series of bold moves aimed at fortifying their roster. Among the notable upgrades was the acquisition of Russell Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion whose arrival injects a potent blend of experience and leadership into the team. Additionally, the Steelers bolstered their quarterback depth by securing Justin Fields in a trade, a move widely regarded as a steal, given his promising potential.
With Wilson and Fields now in the fold, the Steelers' quarterback room has undergone a transformative evolution, significantly enhancing their offensive capabilities for the upcoming season. This strategic overhaul has ignited enthusiasm among fans and players alike, with star linebacker TJ Watt expressing his excitement at the prospect of having a formidable quarterback arsenal to contend in the fiercely competitive AFC North division.
Watt's sentiments reverberated during his appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio at the esteemed 101 Awards event Friday. As discussions delved into the challenges of the Steelers' strenuous 2023 campaign, the focus naturally shifted towards Watt's remarkable accomplishments, particularly his league-leading tally of 19 sacks. However, amidst the accolades, Watt didn't shy away from expressing his disappointment with the Steelers' lack of postseason success during his tenure in the NFL, a sentiment tinged with a hint of embarrassment.
"Obviously, didn't go the way we wanted in the end. This is my seventh year, this past season, and to not win a playoff game is embarrassing and not how we do things in Pittsburgh."
Watt's dominance throughout the 2023 season left many Steelers fans convinced that he was unjustly denied the Defensive Player of the Year Award once again. His performance transcended every conceivable defensive metric, solidifying his position as a standout force on the field. However, the season took a sobering turn for Watt when he suffered an injury during the Steelers' critical Week 18 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens.
This unfortunate setback relegated Watt to the sidelines during the pivotal playoff clash against the Buffalo Bills. In Watt's absence, the Steelers' defense was outmatched, highlighting his indispensable role on the team. Pittsburgh has managed just one victory out of 11 regular season matchups without Watt on the field, underscoring his irreplaceable impact.
It's reasonable to speculate that with Watt in full health, the Steelers would have posed a significantly stronger challenge against the Bills in the playoffs. Moreover, it's unfair to place blame on Watt for the Steelers' playoff struggles since his arrival. His stellar contributions on the field have been instrumental in keeping the team competitive, particularly during periods of offensive inconsistency. Without Watt, it's conceivable that Mike Tomlin's remarkable streak of 17 consecutive winning seasons would be in jeopardy, underscoring Watt's pivotal role in the team's success.
Steelers' 2024 Season Could Exceed Expectations For TJ Watt
Watt has eagerly expressed his anticipation for the upcoming 2024 season, with both Wilson and Fields slated to helm the quarterback position. While Wilson is expected to assume the starting role, Fields stands ready as a capable backup. Yet, Watt's excitement extends beyond the offensive lineup, as the Steelers have also welcomed new defensive talent, including Patrick Queen and Donte Jackson, further strengthening their roster.
With these defensive upgrades in place, the Steelers are primed for a promising 2024 season. Despite the challenges of the 2023 season, where they managed to secure 10 wins, the team's offseason improvements have elevated expectations to lofty heights.
Having spent seven seasons with the Steelers, Watt's impressive statistics speak volumes about his impact on the field. Accumulating a staggering 96.5 sacks, seven interceptions, and 401 combined tackles throughout his career, Watt has consistently shone, particularly during moments of offensive struggle.
The Steelers are keenly focused on delivering a deep playoff run for Watt, recognizing his pivotal role in their aspirations. With the 2024 season brimming with potential, Steeler Nation eagerly anticipates witnessing how these new additions will propel the team to success on the field.
More must-reads: