TJ Watt is on the Cover of Sports Illustrated for October

(Photo via Sports Illustrated Cover)

TJ Watt has had a special start to the Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 season. He won the AFC Defensive Player of the Week and now has won the AFC Defensive Player of the Month. Through three games this season TJ has 9 combined tackles, 1 assisted tackle, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. Keith Butler has said it best in regards to TJ Watt's ability on the football field.

"His science. The sight of No. 90, coming off the left edge of the Steelers’ defense, has fast become an unwelcome one for opponents."

Watt is a nightmare on the field. His career stats (2017-2020) are 186 combined tackles, 53 assisted tackles, 38 sacks, and 4 interceptions for 24 yards. Those are monster numbers in a phenomenal system (Pittsburgh) that creates only the Elite linebackers in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus TJ Watt's pass rush win rate is 29.5%. Highest ever recorded over a season. Mike Tomlin still feels TJ hasn't hit his ceiling and will continue to improve in the Steelers system.

"I think he's still writing that story," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "He was pretty awesome a year ago to be quite honest with you. I know he has an intention of being continually better, so he's still writing that story. His talents are just a part of the equation. His hyper-focus, his attention to detail, his awareness I think all add up to big playmaking ability and splash plays for us."

The sky is the limit for TJ Watt with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Well deserved on getting the cover of Sports Illustrated for the month of October. We now leave you with a badass quote from TJ Watt on the Steelers defense.

"The tradition here is creating a badass defense that starts with LBs who get their nose bloody and make plays. After last year, we want to 1st and foremost smash the run and make teams pass. That'll help me and Bud a lot because we want to be staples for this defense."