T.J. Watt shows he makes a difference for Steelers' defense

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

LB T.J. Watt shows how he makes a difference for Steelers' defense

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 11/14/22

Steelers LB T.J. Watt is finally back. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year continues to make all the difference for Pittsburgh.

Watt helped lead the Steelers to their third win of the season Sunday. Pittsburgh now has more wins, sacks, and forced turnovers in the two games with Watt than the seven without him this season.

#Steelers in two games with TJ Watt: 2-0, 9 sacks, 7 turnovers forced, 15 ppg allowed.#Steelers in 7 games without TJ Watt: 1-6, 6 sacks, 5 turnovers forced, 25.3 ppg allowed. @937theFan
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) November 14, 2022

The defense still looked great even with the absence of S Minkah Fitzpatrick, who shouldn't miss more than a couple weeks after undergoing an appendectomy.

"Our defense is unbelievable. Obviously, I think we have the best player in football in 90 ... the guy is unbelievable," rookie QB Kenny Pickett told reporters after the 20-10 victory over the Saints.

Kenny Pickett addresses the media following our win against the Saints. pic.twitter.com/c7mYmdvar9
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 13, 2022

If the Steelers' defense can stay healthy, Pittsburgh could be competitive for the rest of the season. Five of the Steelers' remaining seven opponents currently have losing records.

The Steelers (3-6) host the 5-4 Bengals in Week 11. Watt had a sack, three tackles for a loss, an interception, and two passes defensed in Pittsburgh's Week 1 overtime win in Cincinnati.

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