Steelers OLB T.J. Watt Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week
Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his standout performance in Monday night’s 26-18 win over the New York Giants.
This is the eighth time that Watt has won AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He last won the award in Week 18 of 2023.
Watt had seven tackles (five solos), two sacks, two quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery against New York. Watt second sack was a drive-killing strip sack of Daniel Jones late in the fourth quarter. Watt also came up with the recovery on the play.
T.J. WATT WITH THE STRIP, THE SACK, AND THE RECOVERY!
📺: #NYGvsPIT on ESPN/ABC/ESPN2
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/beQnaOQUDt— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2024
Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor said leading up to the game that he wanted Watt on an island. To say the least, that didn’t age well.
Watt said afterward that he was aware of the comments made by Eluemunor, but took the high road after the victory, saying they didn’t provide any additional motivation that contribution to his performance.
I have a lot of respect for every single player in the NFL,” said Watt. “Everybody works hard, and I’m just trying to get my opportunities when I get them and make the most of them when they happen. But it’s not possible without scheme.
“We’ve done a good job schematically of trying to create those one-on-ones along with the backend covering just long enough and the guys up front also chewing up blockers. So, it’s a team effort.”
Watt has been clutch in the fourth quarter this season, recording three sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. His 93.3 grade in the fourth quarter is tied for first, according to Pro Football Focus.
“I’m not surprised by it, but it doesn’t mean that it’s not appreciated,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said after the game. “I just come to expect it because he’s got a unique talent, a unique approach. Usually that produces unique results with a really consistent tone to it and usually at the most-timely moments. I think the new Steelers are shaking their heads. I think the guys that have been here kind of expect it.”
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
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