This week, the Washington Commanders face a tough test when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike Tomlin has the Steelers in contention for the postseason nearly every year, and the Steelers’ defense is always one of the toughest in the league.
The Commanders’ defense, on the other hand, isn’t playing well in 2024. While they just got a boost with the acquisition of Marshawn Lattimore, the Commanders would still steal one player from Pittsburgh: TJ Watt.
Through eight games this season, Watt has recorded 33 tackles (24 solo), 6.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two passes defensed, and 7.5 stuffs for 10 yards.
But it’s not just his stats that make the Commanders want Watt on their side. Even when he’s not making tackles, he’s impacting the game in other ways. He often draws extra attention because he’s such a prolific player, which means other players get left open. And even when he is double-teamed, sometimes it just doesn’t matter. Watt is an animal on the field with a high football IQ and an unmatched level of anticipation. Opposing quarterbacks see him coming and panic.
Washington could use Watt’s production and leadership on their defense, and if you combine Watt with Lattimore, talk about solidifying your defense.
The Commanders haven’t made it past the Wild Card round since 2005, and with how they are playing, they will have a bye that week this year. At this pace, they’ll head straight to the divisional round this year, putting them ahead of anything they’ve done in 20 years.
