TJ Watt’s Rare Zero Pressure Performance: Analyzing His Struggles Against the Raiders and Rookie Tackle DJ Glaze…
Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt has long been regarded as one of the most disruptive forces in the NFL. His relentless motor, elite pass-rush skills, and ability to change the game have earned him a reputation as one of the league’s premier defenders. However, in a surprising turn of events, Watt found himself held in check during the Steelers’ recent matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, recording zero pressures against the Raiders’ offensive line, including rookie tackle DJ Glaze. This marked the first time since Week 6 of the 2022 season that Watt had failed to register a single pressure in a game, making this performance noteworthy and warranting a closer examination.
In this article, we will analyze what went wrong for Watt in this matchup, how rookie DJ Glaze was able to neutralize him, and what this means for both the Steelers’ defense moving forward and Watt’s standing as one of the NFL’s top pass rushers.
The Significance of Watt’s Zero Pressure Game
To understand why Watt’s performance against the Raiders stands out, it’s important to consider the context. T.J. Watt has been a dominant presence on the field since being drafted by the Steelers in 2017. Known for his ability to bend the edge, burst off the line, and get to the quarterback with remarkable consistency, Watt has posted double-digit sack totals in multiple seasons and earned numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
In the 2023 season alone, Watt had been living up to his reputation, recording sacks, pressures, and tackles for loss at an elite level. Through the first few games of the season, he had been a constant disruptor, often making quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket, forcing errant throws, and creating turnovers. As a result, expectations were high when the Steelers faced off against the Raiders a team with an offensive line that had shown vulnerability in the early parts of the season.
However, despite these high expectations, Watt’s usual dominance was nowhere to be found on the field. Zero pressures against an offensive line that had given up sacks and pressures in previous games seemed uncharacteristic, leading many to ask: What went wrong?
The Rise of DJ Glaze: A Rookie Tackle’s Impressive Performance
The key factor in Watt’s inability to generate pressure on the Raiders’ offense was the surprising play of rookie right tackle DJ Glaze. Glaze, who was making just his fifth career start, had been thrust into a starting role after injuries decimated the Raiders’ offensive line. Going into the game, many analysts expected Glaze to be a potential liability against an elite pass rusher like Watt. However, Glaze stepped up in a big way, providing solid protection for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and keeping Watt at bay.
Glaze’s Technique and Discipline
One of the most remarkable aspects of Glaze’s performance was his ability to execute fundamental pass protection techniques with precision. For a rookie, facing an edge rusher of Watt’s caliber can be an intimidating proposition, but Glaze’s poise and discipline were evident throughout the game.
Hand Placement and Punch: Glaze did an excellent job of using his hands to control Watt’s movements and prevent him from getting into his preferred rush lanes. By striking first with an efficient punch, Glaze was able to disrupt Watt’s rhythm and prevent him from gaining leverage around the edge.
Footwork and Balance: Glaze exhibited impressive footwork, staying light on his feet and adjusting his positioning to mirror Watt’s movements. Watt often relies on his quickness and ability to change direction to beat offensive tackles, but Glaze was quick enough to match Watt’s lateral movements and keep him from turning the corner.
Composure Under Pressure: Glaze also showed a surprising level of composure under pressure. Even when Watt used his signature speed-rush or attempted to use a spin move, Glaze remained patient and avoided biting on any fakes or misdirections. His ability to stay calm and engaged throughout the game allowed him to neutralize Watt’s rushes and avoid giving up any significant pressure.
What Went Wrong for T.J. Watt?
While DJ Glaze deserves a great deal of credit for his stellar performance, it’s also important to consider the factors that contributed to Watt’s uncharacteristic lack of impact on the game. Several elements played a role in preventing the Steelers’ superstar from getting to the quarterback:
Double Teams and Chip Blocks: The Raiders’ offensive game plan appeared to account for Watt’s presence. On several occasions, Glaze was given help in the form of chip blocks from running backs or tight ends. These additional layers of protection were effective in stalling Watt’s ability to get into his rush. The Raiders’ offensive scheme did a great job of not allowing Watt to take over the game, using extra blockers and ensuring Garoppolo had a clean pocket to operate from.
Quick Release from Jimmy Garoppolo: Another reason Watt was unable to generate pressure was the quick release from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo is known for his quick decision-making and release, and in this game, he was able to consistently get rid of the ball in under two seconds, negating much of the pressure Watt would have otherwise created. Quick-hitting passes, especially in the short and intermediate areas, kept the Steelers’ pass rushers at bay and limited Watt’s opportunities to affect the game.
Watt’s Health and Conditioning: While there were no reports indicating that Watt was dealing with an injury during the game, it’s always worth considering how wear and tear might affect a player’s performance. The NFL season is a grind, and even the most elite athletes can experience dips in performance as they deal with the physical demands of the game. It’s possible that Watt wasn’t at 100% on game day, which may have contributed to his lack of explosiveness and effectiveness.
The Impact on the Steelers Defense
Watt’s struggles against the Raiders may have long-term implications for the Steelers’ defense. The Steelers are heavily reliant on Watt to create pressure and disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Without his consistent pressure, the defense lacks the same edge and becomes more reliant on other aspects of the defense, such as coverage or the play of other pass rushers like Alex Highsmith.
However, one game of relative quiet from Watt doesn’t necessarily signal a major problem. The NFL is a league of adjustments, and Watt has shown time and time again that he is capable of bouncing back from rare subpar performances. The key will be for the Steelers’ defensive coaching staff to evaluate the tape and determine how teams might exploit Watt’s weaknesses and what they can do to help him regain his dominance.
Conclusion: A Bump in the Road, Not the End of the Line
While T.J. Watt’s zero-pressure performance against the Raiders is certainly a surprising and rare occurrence, it doesn’t diminish his stature as one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers. Credit must go to rookie tackle DJ Glaze, who played above expectations and kept Watt in check. However, this game should serve as a reminder that even the best players have off days, and the league’s top pass rushers can be neutralized with the right game plan and execution.
As the Steelers move forward in the 2024 season, Watt will undoubtedly bounce back and continue to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. His ability to adjust, learn from setbacks, and adapt to changing circumstances has been one of the hallmarks of his career. For the Steelers and their fans, a single game without pressures doesn’t define T.J. Watt it’s just a bump in the road on his path to greatness.
