Steelers' O-Line Prepares For Texans' J.J. Watt
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) – It's no secret that the Steelers offense is dealing with problems in the red zone; but this week, Pittsburgh will be faced with what may be an even bigger challenge, J.J. Watt.
In just six games, the Texans defensive end has scored three touchdowns and two of them were defensive.
Le'Veon Bell played against Watt in college and says he is one of the best players he's ever gone up against in his life. He adds that Watt has only improved during his NFL career. Watt makes his presence known with skills that, according to Bell, you can't coach.
"He's got a motor, he's got a swim move, bull rush, he's got everything that you can ask for," Bell said. "He's a playmaker on the defensive line, so he's definitely going to be a guy that we've got a game plan for and got to be ready for."
At 6'5" and 289 pounds, Watt has developed a knack for shaking up offenses and it hasn't gone unnoticed by Mike Tomlin.
"It's amazing how he routinely disrupts the normal flow of offensive football and touches the ball is really incredible," Tomlin said.
Tomlin added that he moves around a lot schematically forcing opposing lineman to have to be prepared to block him. Watt is capable of taking a game into his own hands and the Steelers' O-line plans to double up on him at times to slow him down.
"He's just a guy that makes plays," David DeCastro said. "He's going to make you look bad if you are off your game even a little bit."
As far as the Steelers offensive issues in the red zone go, DeCastro said there is no real secret to improving. He thinks they just need to put in a little bit more effort, and simply, be better.
Both teams enter the Monday night game with identical 3-3 records and the Steelers are returning to Pittsburgh for the first of three straight home games after two games on the road. The opportunity to play in front of the home crowd could give the Steelers an extra boost to start piling up wins.
"We've got to make the most of home games, you've got to get a win and protect Heinz Field and give our fans something to cheer about," DeCastro said.
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