Unlocking the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Potential: Freeing Up T.J. Watt, AFC North Dynamics, and Russell Wilson’s Prospects…
The 2024 NFL season has reached its critical stretch, with teams vying for playoff berths and divisional supremacy. The Pittsburgh Steelers, currently embroiled in the highly competitive AFC North, have shown flashes of brilliance but are still working to maximize their defensive dominance. Key to their success will be unlocking the full potential of T.J. Watt, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Meanwhile, the AFC North’s landscape remains a tight battle, and intriguing quarterback news has emerged, with reports hinting at a possible extension for Russell Wilson in Denver. Let’s break down these pressing topics.
Freeing Up T.J. Watt: A Blueprint for Defensive Excellence
T.J. Watt is widely regarded as one of the most disruptive defensive forces in the NFL. His ability to pressure quarterbacks, generate turnovers, and make clutch plays has been instrumental for Pittsburgh. However, recent weeks have highlighted a challenge: opposing offenses are scheming specifically to neutralize Watt’s impact. Double teams, chip blocks from running backs, and even quick passing concepts have limited his opportunities to wreak havoc. If the Steelers want to ensure Watt can remain the focal point of their defense, head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin may need to think outside the box.
Could Alignment Switches Unlock Watt?
One of the most promising solutions to free up Watt lies in creative defensive alignments and play-calling. While Watt primarily operates as an outside linebacker in the Steelers’ 3-4 scheme, moving him around the formation could make it harder for offenses to account for him.
1. Interior Pass Rush:
Occasionally lining Watt up as a defensive tackle in sub-packages could exploit mismatches against slower interior linemen. This tactic has been employed by other elite pass rushers, such as Aaron Donald and Micah Parsons, with great success. For Watt, this would create opportunities to collapse the pocket from unexpected angles.
2. Stunts and Twists:
Increasing the use of stunts and twists could also open up lanes for Watt. Pairing him with other athletic rushers like Alex Highsmith in coordinated moves would force offensive lines to communicate quickly something many struggle with under pressure.
3. Off-Ball Looks:
Dropping Watt into coverage occasionally or aligning him as a pseudo-linebacker in certain sets could bait offenses into false confidence. When Watt blitzes from an unconventional position, the element of surprise alone could generate sacks or pressures.
4. Personnel Rotations:
Finally, deploying versatile defenders such as Minkah Fitzpatrick or hybrid linebackers in the box could create confusion. By disguising blitz packages and showing different pre-snap looks, the Steelers could give Watt more one-on-one opportunities.
Freeing up Watt isn’t just about boosting his individual stats—it’s about transforming the entire defense. A more disruptive Watt creates turnovers, improves field position, and energizes the team. With the Steelers fighting for playoff positioning, Tomlin and Austin must pull out all the stops to keep their star edge rusher at the center of their defensive game plan.
AFC North Update: A Tightrope Walk for Supremacy
The AFC North continues to live up to its reputation as one of the NFL’s toughest divisions. With the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals all vying for postseason berths, every game feels like a playoff matchup.
1. Baltimore Ravens:
The Ravens sit atop the division with Lamar Jackson playing MVP-caliber football. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has found a way to balance Jackson’s dynamic rushing ability with a more robust passing attack, featuring Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. Baltimore’s defense, anchored by Roquan Smith, remains among the league’s elite, making them the team to beat.
2. Cleveland Browns:
The Browns have been a surprise contender despite inconsistent quarterback play. Their defense, led by Myles Garrett, has carried the team through adversity. However, questions about their offensive ceiling persist, especially with Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury. Backup quarterbacks will need to manage games effectively to keep Cleveland in contention.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers:
The Steelers have defied expectations with a scrappy approach. Their offense, though often criticized, has made strides under Kenny Pickett, particularly in the fourth quarter. However, Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes rest on the defense maintaining its identity as a takeaway machine.
4. Cincinnati Bengals:
The Bengals suffered a devastating blow with Joe Burrow’s season-ending wrist injury. While Jake Browning has shown flashes, the team’s postseason aspirations seem increasingly distant without their franchise quarterback. Expect Cincinnati to lean on Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Mixon in an attempt to remain competitive.
With such a tight race, divisional matchups and tiebreakers will be pivotal in determining who secures playoff spots. The Steelers, currently in the mix, must navigate this gauntlet with precision.
Report: Russell Wilson to Be Extended?
In an unexpected development, reports have surfaced suggesting the Denver Broncos are considering a contract extension for quarterback Russell Wilson. This comes after a turbulent 2023 season, during which Wilson faced criticism for his performance and questions about his long-term future in Denver.
Under head coach Sean Payton, Wilson has shown signs of resurgence in 2024. The Broncos’ offense has found a rhythm, and Wilson has been more efficient, avoiding the costly turnovers that plagued him last season. If Denver chooses to extend him, it would signal a vote of confidence in Wilson’s ability to lead the franchise for years to come.
Why Would Denver Extend Wilson?
1. Improved Performance:
Wilson’s improved play under Payton’s system has revitalized his career. His ability to execute the offense and connect with playmakers like Jerry Jeudy and Javonte Williams has given the Broncos hope for sustained success.
2. Cap Considerations:
Extending Wilson could also be a financial maneuver. By spreading out his cap hit over additional years, Denver could create flexibility to address other roster needs, particularly on the offensive line and defense.
3. Lack of Alternatives:
The quarterback market is notoriously unpredictable. If Denver doesn’t extend Wilson, they risk entering a rebuild with no clear successor. By committing to him, the Broncos are doubling down on continuity.
That said, any extension would likely come with performance-based incentives and a structure that protects the team in case Wilson regresses. Broncos fans will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.
—
The Road Ahead
As the Steelers gear up for the final stretch of the season, their ability to adapt will be critical. Unlocking T.J. Watt’s full potential through creative schemes could be the key to a deep playoff run, while staying competitive in the cutthroat AFC North will require consistency in all phases of the game.
Meanwhile, the league continues to evolve, with teams like Denver making bold decisions about their future. Whether it’s the Ravens dominating, the Browns surprising, or the Steelers grinding out wins, the AFC North is set to deliver a thrilling finish to the regular season.
The NFL never disappoints when it comes to drama and unpredictability, and these storylines promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
