T.J. Watt's eye-popping PFF grade in Week 1 proves he doesn't need refs on his side

If you want a lesson on how an NFL player can overcome egregious calls and poor officiating, look no further than T.J. Watt's performance against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. From start to finish, the Steelers star dealt with adversity. It simply didn't matter.

Watt got involved in the action early. The All-Pro edge rusher rag-dolled right tackle Kaleb McGary -- effortlessly tossing him to the side to make plays on the ball carrier in the backfield. In the second quarter, as the Falcons were looking to score before the half, Watt had an outstanding jump on the ball. This resulted in dusting McGary and raking the ball loose from Kirk Cousins.

Unfortunately, this play was nullified by a phantom offsides penalty. Running the tape in slow motion, it's clear to see this was a poor call, and the official admitted this to Watt at halftime.

In the second half, Watt had another strip sack and fumble recovery washed away by a Donte Jackson illegal hands-to-the-face call that hardly had anything to do with the play.

Despite highway robbery of what would have been outrageous statistical production, Watt proved that the film tells it all. Pro Football Focus agrees. Watt's 95.3 overall grade was the highest among NFL edge defenders in Week 1.

T.J. Watt has more motivation than ever to produce in Week 2

Had it not been for the penalties that wiped away two of the biggest plays of the game, Watt would have finished the contest with three sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, four tackles for a loss, and five quarterback hits. Instead, the Steelers' best player saw just one of these sacks count on the stat sheet.

After the way the refs abused him in Week 1, Watt has all the motivation to ball out in Week 2.

If his spectacular plays against the Falcons stood, Watt would be running away with Defensive Player of the Year odds in 2024 early in the season. After being the runner-up to Myles Garrett for the DPOY award last season, Watt wants his revenge.

While one sack per game would put him on the pace for 17.0 on the season, Watt knows he is capable of more... and his fury is going to get the best of the Broncos in Week 2. This week, Watt will look to feast against OT Mike McGlinchey in Denver.

Whether the refs are on his side or not, T.J. Watt is going to find a way to make an impact. Pro Football Focus' grading in Week 1 showed just how amazing he was against the Falcons despite being robbed of otherwordly raw numbers.