Leading the NFL in sacks is no easy feat. However, this is something T.J. Watt has done three teams since 2020. In 2023, the Steelers star recorded 19.0 sacks and finished second behind Myles Garrett in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
This year, Watt hasn't put up the otherworldly numbers we've been accustomed to seeing from him. After an outstanding five-game stretch to begin the season, Watt's production fell quiet as demanded unprecedented attention from opposing offenses. This led to the four-time First-Team All-Pro recording just three sacks in six games from Week 6 to Week 11.
But you can't keep a great pass rusher away from the quarterback for long.
Over Pittsburgh's last three games, Watt raked in four sacks while recording four tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles. The resurgence in sack production saw a once-quiet season turning into an impressive statistical output.
Entering Week 16 of the 2024 season, Watt suddenly has 11.5 sacks under his belt. This ties him for third in the NFL with Broncos' edge rusher Nik Bonitto and puts him only behind Bengals star Trey Hendrickson (12.5 sacks) and Texans' Danielle Hunter (12.0).
Another sack title is well within the grasp of T.J. Watt
As quiet as this season has seemed from the Steelers superstar, T.J. Watt is one sack away from tying Trey Hendrickson for the NFL lead. With three games remaining, there is more than enough time for Watt to make up the difference.
Unfortunately, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year suffered a low ankle sprain against the Philadelphia Eagles late in the fourth quarter. The X-rays came back negative and confirmed this is only a minor injury; however, Watt could have a hard time earning sacks if he plays on a sprained ankle.
Theoretically, Watt has a great chance to earn his fourth sack title if the injured ankle doesn't slow him down. Over the next three games, Watt will have favorable matchups against Roger Rosengarten, Jawaan Taylor, and Amarius Mims, respectively.
Meanwhile, Hendrickson — Watt's biggest competition in the NFL sack race — has upcoming games against the Browns, Broncos, and Steelers.
This battle could very well come down to Week 18. After a slow stretch in the middle of the season and with the attention he's drawn, it would be remarkable if Watt was able to lead the league in sacks for the fourth time in his legendary career.