3. Watt Returns From Injury
Steeler Nation has been losing its collective mind over rookie linebacker TJ Watt, brother of Houston star JJ. Watt fit into the Steelers’ unit like a glove until he was sidelined for the Chicago game with an injury. We saw last week that the Steelers’ linebacking corps didn’t exactly dazzle against the Bears, so seeing Watt’s name absent from this Sunday’s scratch list could only assuage fears that Baltimore would run roughshod over the black and gold.
Watt played admirably in his first day back, tying for third on the defense in tackles with four. None were sacks, and he did not force any turnovers, but you can’t expect a world-beating performance every week (except, it seems, if your name is Ryan Shaizer, who led the defensea gain with ten tackles and a pick.)
Anthony Chickillo was activated for the game, but he didn’t make the stat sheet, nor did James Harrison, who had the excuse of being inactive.
After Week 4, Watt seems primed to take his place back as the leader of the Steelers’ linebackers.