The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a dominant force on defense, and the main reason for this isn’t a philosophy, strategy or coaching technique. It’s been because of T.J. Watt.

What non-Steelers fans think is how can one player mean that much to a team?

They clearly aren’t Steelers fans.

Watt’s record when he plays, compared to when he doesn’t, is well-documented and one which makes his presence in a game paramount for the success of the Steelers. But what he’s doing in 2023 is truly uncharted waters in the modern era of NFL football.

Take a look at the following statistic from ESPN Stats & Info as an example. Watt is doing things which no one has ever done since sacks became an official statistic in 1982.

T.J. Watt is the 1st player to record 6 sacks and have a defensive TD in a team’s first 3 games of a season since individual sacks were first tracked in 1982. pic.twitter.com/7fJ4mPJ457

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 25, 2023

In an era of football when playing defense has never been more difficulty, based on what you can and cannot do to offensive players, Watt continues to find ways to impact games. Look at the Steelers win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 on Sunday Night Football. Sure, Watt registered two sacks in the game, but the way he impacted Jimmy Garoppolo passes was undeniable. Some would say Watt’s presence and pressure alone equated in two interceptions.

That’s the impact Watt has on the game.

What’s next for Watt? Will he be able to keep up this incredible pace? Or is this something which will simply tail off as more teams plan against Watt and the Steelers defense?

History shows us many of tried, but few have succeeded at taking Watt out of a game.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Houston Texans in Week 4 of the regular season.