The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off the 2026 NFL season with a victory over the Atlanta Falcons at home, 20-13. The close score is a reminder that any team can be beaten and shouldn’t overlook any potential opponent. The Falcons started Cooper Rush at quarterback and gave the Steelers everything they could handle. The offense has things to clean up, but the Steelers’ defense was on full display, including a massive performance from T.J. Watt.
Watt finished his season debut with four pressures, two
sacks, two hurries, two tackles, and four defensive stops. PFF awarded Watt a 92.3 defensive grade, 81.4 run defense grade, 73.9 tackling grade, and a 90.8 pass rushing grade. Did I mention the pick-six? I didn’t? Well, that’s important too, since it was the deciding factor on Sunday.
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen spoke to the media after the game and doesn’t understand the criticisms tossed at Watt.
“I saw how they talk about him online,” Queen said. “It’s crazy how a guy can be dominant for so long, and then one year he gets hurt … and everybody tries to turn the page on him.”
Queen isn’t wrong. The hoopla of Myles Garrett being traded to the Los Angeles Rams following his record-breaking sack season and DPOY award has pushed Watt out of the conversation because of his injury in 2025. Sunday was a remarkable reminder that with Watt leading the stingy Steelers defense, the EDGE rusher is as good as anyone on any given Sunday.
Recency bias is a real thing, and marveling at Garrett’s accomplishments last season shouldn’t discredit Watt, nor remove him from any conversation. If Sunday is any indication, Watt has heard, or not heard, his name in the best EDGE rushers in the league conversation and wants to change the narrative and perception.
Sunday was vintage Watt and it seems many forgot about T.J.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
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