Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson attributes T.J. Watt's reduced production this season to the team's defensive scheme. Nelson, who played with Watt in 2019 and 2020, called for Watt to be 'freed' from the current setup amid the Steelers' defensive struggles. Watt has recorded seven sacks through 12 games, on pace for his lowest total in a healthy season since his rookie year.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense has faced significant challenges this season, particularly against the run and in generating a consistent pass rush after 12 games. Despite boasting star players like T.J. Watt, the unit has struggled to meet expectations.
Steven Nelson, a former Steelers cornerback who was teammates with Watt in 2019 and 2020—seasons in which Watt earned First-team All-Pro honors and was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year both times—shared his perspective on the TR5NT YouTube Channel. "His play has declined, but I’ve got to put it on the scheme," Nelson said. He described the year as a 'down year' for Watt, adding, "The team is ass…Free T.J." Nelson pointed to the coaching scheme under defensive coordinator Teryl Austin as a key factor holding back Watt's production, though he did not provide specific details on the issues.
Watt, who signed a three-year, $123 million contract extension in the offseason and turned 31 in October, has seven sacks so far. This puts him on track for his lowest sack total in a healthy season since his rookie year. A frequent issue for the Steelers has been quarterbacks using quick passes to neutralize the pass rush. Nonetheless, the team ranks tied for seventh in the NFL with 34 total sacks.
Watt has shown flashes of his elite ability, including a strip sack of Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams in Week 12 that was recovered for a touchdown, and a leaping interception of a batted pass against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 in Dublin. With the season ongoing, the Steelers remain in need of more impactful plays from their defense to secure wins. Depending on the final outcomes, Pittsburgh could see changes in the offseason, potentially amplifying calls to adjust the scheme around Watt.