For many, it’s a common belief that the Pittsburgh Steelers go as star outside linebacker T.J. Watt goes. When Watt is healthy and on the field making impact plays, the Steelers are in great shape and will win many games. When he’s quiet and not making those impact plays, well, the Steelers struggle.
Fortunately for the Steelers this season, Watt is making those impact plays consistently, helping the defense be one of the best in the league at taking the ball away and limiting points.
Second-year outside linebacker Nick Herbig believes the Steelers go as Watt goes, too. Speaking to reporters Wednesday ahead of the Week 9 bye week, Herbig stated that Watt is a “catalyst” and that his consistency on a daily basis sets the tone for the defense and leads them.
“Yeah, I think he’s the catalyst. He kind of takes charge in that,” Herbig said of Watt, who has served as a mentor for Herbig early in his career, according to video via Steelers.com. “And you obviously see the plays that he makes, and it constantly shows up, and Mike T[omlin] likes to say it’s not a lightning strike, ’cause that guy does it day in and day out consistently, whether it’s in the weight room or on the field. He’s gonna work harder than everybody — except me.”
There is no doubt Watt is the catalyst. He’s the star on the defense, the one that drives the play. It helps that he plays the most important position in the Steelers’ 3-4 defense, outside linebacker, but his talent and work ethic are what sets him apart.
Watt has a detailed daily schedule, broken down by times for the cold tub, breakfast, lunch, film work, and more. He’s maniacal with that stuff, and when he’s putting in the work off the field, that allows him to dominate on the field due to his preparation.
Guys see that; it rubs off, making everyone around him better.
When Watt is on the field, the Steelers are contenders. When he’s not healthy, they’re a poor team. When Watt has a sack or a forced turnover this season, the Steelers are 5-1 on the year. When he doesn’t, the Steelers are 1-1. It’s not a huge discrepancy, but when Watt is making impact plays, whether that’s getting to the quarterback, punching out a ball, or both, the Steelers are more than likely going to win.
That’s not a surprise. He’s the catalyst and shows he is by what he does daily, on and off the field.
