Steelers Watt gets the best of a rookie
Originally, it looked like T.J. Watt was going to face the backup right tackle this week, and had that been the case, I would have predicted that he would sack the quarterback at an obscene rate. However, Taylor Decker appears set to play at left tackle, which means the Lions will shift star rookie tackle Penei Sewell to the right side.
While Sewell has performed well as a rookie, facing off against Watt is probably the last thing he wants to do. Watt is arguably the best edge defender in the league, and while Sewell has held his own as a starter, Watt is a different breed. Even when Sewell gets a good block on Watt, there will be two-three reps where Watt just blows by him.
All of this said Watt keeps up his defensive player of the year hopes alive with another dominant game against the Lions. Sewell does his best to hold his own, but he is ultimately no match for Watt. Two sacks, a forced fumble, and four total tackles for a loss help Watt keep the pace as defensive player of the year.