Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 things we learned in win over Falcons

By Zack Goncz | Oct 8, 2018

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 07: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after a 47 yard touchdown reception in the second half during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 07: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons fumbles the ball as he is hit by T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

T.J. Watt could be the guy

It is still his second year and he’s been a little bit hot and cold this season, but the Steelers, without Shazier, have desperately needed a playmaker to emerge from the linebacker position. And despite all those caveats, Jarvis Jones or Bud Dupree have never dominated a game like Watt did against Atlanta. Watt had 3 sacks including a forced fumble that resulted in a defensive touchdown. He had 6 tackles total.

Watt had such a strong performance that, like Shazier used to do, he made the whole defense play better with him. Heyward had been off all season but showed up strong tonight. Joe Haden more or less bested Julio Jones for most of the game. The other linebackers like Bostic or Fort had good games too. Its the type of lead-by-example playing that this defense has missed and Watt stepped forward as a candidate to takeover as a leader.

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