TJ Watt Dominates in NFL Debut

Former Wisconsin Badger OLB TJ Watt had an impressive NFL start on Friday for the Pittsburgh Steelers

The latest NFL Watt wasted no time in stating his intentions with a strong effort in his first NFL game.  TJ Watt filled the box score on defense demonstrating the hustle and instincts that made him a star at Wisconsin.

TJ Watt recorded two early sacks part of his five total tackles and three QB hits.  He even added a pass defended.  His Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New York Giants 20-12 in an NFL preseason game.

Former Wisconsin QB Bart Houston saw game action for Pittsburgh but went just 2/7 for 24 yards.  The Steelers 4th round pick Josh Dobbs went 8/15 with a TD and two INTs.   Houston just needs to show enough that PIttsburgh will keep him around on the practice squad.

Related Story: Wisconsin's TJ Watt and Ryan Ramcyzk Drafted in Round 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers made Watt its 1st round pick, 30th overall.  The home-state Green Bay Packers had the 29th pick but traded out of the 1st round with Cleveland.

Watt was picked for Pittsburgh to add some juice to its anemic pass rush.  As Badger of Honor noted back in March, Watt was a logical fit for Pittsburgh.

"They needed another athletic edge rusher to pair with Bud Dupree.  Coupled with ex-Buckeye Ryan Shazier, the Steelers now have as athletic a trio of LBs as anybody in the NFL…The Steelers ranked 31st in the NFL in sacks last season recording just 21 total."

Watt did just that on the 3rd and 4th snaps from the New York Giants Offense.  On the Giants’ opening series he sacked Josh Johnson on a 3rd & 7.  As you can see in the clip, Watt stays in his lane and his teammates help him out by collapsing the pocket.  Watt then uses some quick, strong hands to disengage from the block and pounce on the escaping Johnson.

On the very next offensive snap of its next offensive possession Watt got his second sack.  NFL twitter didn’t exactly send out an imaginative tweet in response.  I love this play from Watt because it shows everything that made him great for Wisconsin.  He bursts into the backfield, and diagnosis the play action fake before reacting quickly to rope down Johnson.  Both physical and mental acuity evident.  Especially impressive for a rookie early in his first NFL game action.  Also for a guy who is still learning the nuances of playing OLB.

Johnson was barely on the ground when I got a text from a friend griping about how Ted Thompson erred in not taking Watt.  For you dual Badger-Packer fans you’ll have to content yourself with Vince Biegel + Kevin King.