In Pittsburgh, we have often seen a passing-of-the-torch mentality. Older veterans mentor the younger generation of Steelers, teaching them various tricks of the trade as well as how to carry yourself as a member of a team steeped in tradition. DL Cameron Heyward had Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel to mentor him as a rookie while the Steelers currently have CB Patrick Peterson mentoring Joey Porter Jr. and Heyward serving as an example for DL Keeanu Benton.
OLB T.J. Watt had his own mentor coming into the league as a first-round pick in 2017, getting the opportunity to learn from an all-time Steelers great in James Harrison. Watt recently spoke about his relationship with Harrison during his rookie season in an interview with Kevin Clark, and Clark asked him there was a specific pass rush move or technique that Watt learned from a veteran.
“James Harrison was huge for me my rookie year, and just a guy that’s dominant at the 6-technique and in the run game,” Watt told Clark via video from Clark’s Twitter feed. “And something as a smaller, skinner guy coming into the league, I definitely wasn’t too keen at getting into a 6-technique or in the run game as much as I was eager to get into the pass game. I remember him pulling me aside and just teaching me a couple of things about footwork and what to have my eyes on. Lessons like that stick with you forever, especially when they are coming from a legendary player like James, and I always appreciated his willingness to help me develop.”
Playing the run as an outside linebacker isn’t near as fun as pinning your ears back and rushing the quarterback. Having played outside linebacker during my playing days, the job can come with its difficulties as you will see large offensive tackles often aided with a tight end or possibly the guard attempting to wash you down the line of scrimmage or kick you out to the sideline as you attempt to play outside contain and not let the runner get outside of you. Watt experiences this situation on a weekly basis, having more troubles with it when he was a rookie and was notably lighter with less muscle mass than he has now.
Harrison made a point to teach Watt that the great pass rushers not only can rack up the sacks, but also can buckle up their chin strap and do the dirty work of moving inside and playing the run to create longer third-down opportunities to go after the passer. It appears that Harrison’s lessons have stuck with Watt. He is a strong run defender, setting a good edge against the run while also making plays in the backfield thanks to his film study, play recognition, and execution on the field.
Mike Tomlin mentioned yesterday that Watt and Harrison have a unique ability to prepare and develop their respective games that have made them great players in Pittsburgh. Having J.J. Watt as an older brother isn’t going to hurt, but it’s clear that Harrison’s example also rubbed off on Watt, even in the short time that the two played together. Watt recently passed Harrison’s franchise sack record this season with Harrison on hand to witness it, showing all love to Watt for breaking his record and celebrating the player he has become. The city of Pittsburgh has been known for outside linebacker play throughout its history, and Harrison and Watt may be the two best to ever do it for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
