It didn't take long for T.J. Watt to make his presence felt in Week 3. The Steelers hosted the LA Chargers for Pittsburgh's season opener, and the matchup between Watt and rookie offensive tackle Joe Alt was one many fans had their eye on.
Alt was terrific in his first two contests of the season -- even containing well-respected edge rusher Maxx Crosby. But he hasn't seen anything yet.
In Week 3, the rookie got the ultimate test against Watt... and Alt realized just how good the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year is. On the second drive of the game, the Chargers found themselves in a 3rd and 6 situation. After Justin Herbert snapped the ball, Watt exploded off the edge -- ducking under Alt and nearly forcing a fumble on Herbert.
Herbert was able to get the pass off and rookie receiver Ladd McConkey made some nifty moves after the catch, but the play was called back, as Alt was called for holding. In his first true pass set of the game, Alt found himself holding onto Watt for dear life to protect his hobbled quarterback.
Joe Alt had to hold Watt to prevent the sack. T.J. Already making a difference
— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) September 22, 2024
The Chargers gave Joe Alt a chance on T.J. Watt and Watt just beat him around the edge. Alt gets nailed for a hold. Without it, would've been a sack.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) September 22, 2024
Watt has a knack for making right tackles look bad... and not just rookies. Alt has the makings to develop into one of the best offensive tackles in the league and he was one of the most respected prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
This was certainly a welcome-to-the-NFL moment for the rookie, and he suddenly realizes what a future Pro Football Hall of Fame pass rusher looks like.
T.J. Watt continues game-wrecking ways for Steelers
If this rush didn't cut it, T.J. Watt certainly gave Joe Alt a wakeup call in the second half. In the fourth quarter, Watt got a terrific jump on the snap and toasted Alt around the edge for a sack to help end the offensive drive for LA.
TJ Watt comes alive.
— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024
📺: #LACvsPIT on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/hAqQagcH86
Nobody should be surprised to see T.J. Watt nearly come away with another game-altering play; it's what he does. Watt would have had three sacks and two forced fumbles in Week 1 against the Falcons if not for two penalties that wiped away his remarkable raw production and game-changing plays.
Last Week, Watt recorded a sack on the road in Denver as the Broncos did their best to keep him out of the game. Fans love to see the Steelers star looking as good as ever. Let's hope he can keep up the pace all season.