The Pittsburgh Steelers earned a tough road victory over the division rival Cincinnati Bengals.
They had to wait until the end of overtime to nail the game-winning field goal.
Unfortunately, the victory came with a price as reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt came out of the game due to a left pectoral injury.
He suffered the injury as he was coming for Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
But after the play, he was heading toward the sidelines while complaining about an injury and holding onto his left pec.
There is no word yet regarding the severity of Watt’s injury and if he will miss some games.
However, it isn’t a good sign if a player as tough as him felt that injury.
If he ends up missing several games, the Steelers’ dynamic on defense might not be the same, as 93.7 The Fan’s evening host Paul Zeise pointed out.
If the narrative is going to become “the Steelers defense will be fine and won’t miss a beat without Watt” just stop before you get started. There is a reason the guy got $90 million guaranteed. The defense can still be good, but losing Watt would be a huge blow.
— Paul Zeise (@PaulZeise) September 12, 2022
Zeise tweeted, “If the narrative is going to become ‘the Steelers defense will be fine and won’t miss a beat without Watt’ just stop before you get started. There is a reason the guy got $90 million guaranteed. The defense can still be good, but losing Watt would be a huge blow.”
If it turned out to be a season-ending injury, the Steelers’ sack total will significantly drop, given that Watt averages 14.4 sacks per season.
He also tied the single-season sack mark last year en route to his first Defensive Player of the Year award.
Watt Provides Tremendous Impact For The Steelers
Watt had an all-around game against Cincinnati, finishing with six tackles, one sack, and an interception.
But his presence made the Bengals devote much attention to him.
His role as a decoy helped Alex Highsmith get three of the team’s seven sacks.
Watt’s pressure also led to another interception by Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Take him out of the game and the Steelers defense will be easier to check.
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