Steelers T.J. Watt ties NFL sack record by halftime vs Ravens

T.J. Watt is on a rampage. Here’s how the Steelers star tied the sack record in the first half against the Baltimore Ravens in the season finale. 

Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens is the last game of Ben Roethlisberger’s career for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But despite this historic moment, all eyes have been on T.J. Watt in the first half, as the All-Pro edge defender came into today’s game with a chance to break the all-time single-season sack record.

Watt did not disappoint in the first half. On Baltimore’s first drive of the game, fans thought Watt already tied the record after QB Tyler Huntley had a muffed punt. On this play, Watt smelled blood in the water as he raked the ball out of Huntley’s hands as soon as the quarterback scooped it up.

Though this was a terrific defensive play, statisticians determined that this went down as a broken play. While Watt was credited for a tackle for a loss and a forced fumble, he did not get his 22.5 sack here.

Late in the second half, it appeared as if Watt was going to get a half-sack as he and Cameron Heyward met the QB before Huntley was able to get back to the line of scrimmage. However, Heyward was flagged for roughing the passer on this play.

Just moments later, Watt beat a double-team to pull Huntley down from behind — officially earning sack number 22.5.

T.J. Watt is really, really close

The Steelers pass rusher now needs just 0.5 sacks in the second half of this game against the Ravens to officially break the all-time single-season sack record. This is something that now seems well within reach.

At points this year, it seemed like breaking the record was just a dream, as Watt has suffered through groin, hip, and knee injuries this season. Despite all of this, T.J. Watt is having one of the most iconic seasons from a defensive player that the NFL has seen in a very long time.

All fans will be on the edge of their seat in the second half to see if Watt can break the tie with Michael Stahan and make history of his own. Stay tuned!