5 key takeaways from Steelers Week 1 win over Bills
By Andrew Falce
Steelers paid the right man
One of the more stressful storylines of the offseason, the Steelers and T.J. Watt struggled to get through contract negotiations. While Watt was present at training camp, he limited himself in team drills until he got a new contract. This was resolved all of three days before the team faced the Bills, and there were legitimate questions as to how well Watt would be able to play with such a short turnaround from fully practicing to playing his first regular-season game.
As an elite player, though, Watt quickly put those questions to rest.
He came out and looked to be in midseason form, as he registered two sacks as well as a forced fumble on the day. These weren’t fluke numbers either. Watt was regularly beating his man around the edge and applying pressure. Even when he wasn’t, he was forcing holding calls that still moved the offense back (just ask Dion Dawkins).
Anyone doubting Watt’s value shouldn’t be at this point. He is easily one of the best defenders in the game and is well worth the elite money that was paid. Now, he figures to be a part of one of the strongest edge groups in the NFL this season.
The Steelers have seen Alex Highsmith take a leap in terms of development, and Melvin Ingram looks like a physical beast on the field. Altogether, this group should post some strong stats, and Watt will easily be a contender for defensive player of the year.
His deal was expensive, yes, but it seems well worth it at this point.