Heading into Baltimore for the AFC Wild Card game, T.J. Watt needs to be a force on the field. He’s been productive against the Ravens throughout most of his career, and the Steelers will need another dominant performance from him if they’re going to pull off the upset. If Watt can be the game-wrecker he’s capable of being, it bodes very well for the Steelers’ chances. But this season, I’ve seen too many people say that Watt is overrated or not as productive.

The idea that T.J. Watt has a “lack of production” is one of the most frustrating takes in football. It’s lazy, surface-level analysis that completely ignores just how dominant he is on the field. Watt isn’t just a stat machine—he’s a game-wrecker. When you consider the context of his play, his impact becomes undeniable.

Teams are actively scheming to neutralize Watt. He doesn’t just face a single blocker—he’s constantly dealing with double-teams, triple-teams, and running backs or tight ends chipping him on their way out. And when he does get a one-on-one matchup, quarterbacks release the ball faster than against just about every other team in the NFL. Yet somehow, people act like teams don’t specifically plan for him as they do for other top defenders (one player and fan base in particular). Seriously? Watch the tape.

Offensive coordinators know that if they give their quarterback even an extra half-second, without extra attention on Watt, he’ll blow up their entire game plan. According to Steelers.com, going into the Week 10 game against the Commanders, opposing quarterbacks were releasing the ball in just 2.68 seconds on average against the Steelers—only the Titans and Eagles face quicker release times. As most football fans know, the NFL is a copycat league. Once a strategy proves effective, other teams quickly adopt it—and the rest of the league did. Against the Steelers, this means one thing: get the ball out as fast as possible.

The challenge becomes even greater when facing elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow. This season Mahomes averaged 2.34 seconds per throw against the Steelers—the fastest release time of his career. In the Bengals last game Burrow, similarly, averaged 2.44 seconds, another personal best. These are two of the league’s best, renowned for their ability to dissect defenses with precision. Against Watt, however, they’re forced to catch it and rip it. That’s how much he changes the game.

Despite all the extra attention, Watt still had an incredible season. He finished the year with 11.5 sacks—low by his standards, but for most NFL players, it would be a career year. Considering how quickly quarterbacks release the ball against Pittsburgh, his performance is even more impressive.

Watt isn’t just one of the league’s most feared pass rushers; he’s also a dominant force against the run. Pro Football Focus ranked him the #1 run defender in the NFL, showcasing his versatility. In 2024, Watt had 19 tackles for loss, which ranked tied for second in the NFL. Additionally, Watt’s six forced fumbles (including one on a sack) led the league, proving just how disruptive and ball-aware he is in the most critical moments.

What makes Watt so special is that he’s not a one-dimensional player. He’s not just hunting sacks. He’s blowing up runs, shedding blockers, forcing turnovers, and keeping offenses on their heels every snap. He’s the kind of player who forces teams to rethink their entire game plan—and he still finds ways to wreck it.

And yet, some have the nerve to talk about a “lack of production.” What more could you ask for? Watt battles relentless attention that would completely neutralize most players. Instead, he leads the league in forced fumbles, is tied for second in tackles for loss, and still racks up double-digit sacks.

Here’s the truth: If T.J. Watt’s season is what people consider a “lack of production,” then every NFL team would kill to have defenders this “unproductive.” Watt isn’t just elite—he’s redefining what it means to dominate in today’s game.

The next time someone tries to downplay Watt’s impact, remind them of this: Stats may not tell the whole story, but even when they do, Watt’s numbers remain elite. His presence forces teams to change everything—and he still finds a way to take over. That’s not “lack of production.” That’s greatness.

The Steelers will need greatness against the Ravens.

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Stay Blessed and Stay Positive… “Here We Go”