T.J. Watt

OLB · Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals · 46 graded snaps

Replacement

Watt was largely neutralized off the edge by Orlando Brown, balancing an early QB hit and sharp run stop with several rushes washed well past pocket depth.

Pass rush6033Run defense6213

The full breakdown

Watt finished with a replacement-level 60.9 grade across 46 snaps, spending most of the game held in check with 41 neutral reps. He showed flashes early, bending around Brown to hit Joe Burrow on Q1 10:21 and quickly crossing face to stuff an inside run at Q2 14:17. However, his pass rush facet was dragged down on critical downs (Q3 01:11 and Q4 13:33) when Brown rode his outside speed rush harmlessly beyond pocket depth. Coupled with an undisciplined run fit widening the B/C-gap at Q1 06:38, Watt's negative plays offset his positive impact.

Strengths

Bending the edge against pass protection
Crossing blocker face against the run

Weaknesses

Riding past pocket depth on outside rushes
Widening rush lanes on run fits

Plays that moved the grade

+1Q1 10:21, 3rd & 2Bent cleanly around Orlando Brown to deliver a solid hit on Burrow right at release.
+1Q2 14:17, 2nd & 7Quickly crossed Mims' face to tackle Perine for a short run stop.
-0.5Q4 13:33, 4th & 2Got driven well past pocket depth by Brown without generating pressure on a touchdown pass.

Every graded snap · 5 wins or losses, 41 routine

+1Q1 10:21 · 3 & 2 · Pass rushBends cleanly around Orlando Brown's outside shoulder to lay a solid hit on Burrow right at release.
-0.5Q1 06:38 · 3 & 2 · Run defenseRushes upfield too wide, widening the gap between himself and the 4i-technique without constricting the running lane.
+1Q2 14:17 · 2 & 7 · Run defenseRecognizes the inside run, crosses Mims' face quickly and wraps up Perine for a short gain.
-0.5Q3 01:11 · 3 & 10 · Pass rushAttempts an outside speed rush against Orlando Brown but is kept well outside the pocket depth.
-0.5Q4 13:33 · 4 & 2 · Pass rushTries an outside speed rush but is pushed beyond the pocket depth by Brown without generating pressure.

T.J. Watt's season grades →