​It’s striking how quickly opinions can shift about Pittsburgh Steelers star edge rusher T.J. Watt, and I find the flip in sentiment fascinating. I still believe Watt remains an elite NFL player, even if he isn’t quite the same dominant force he was at his peak. If he stays healthy and on the field for the next few years, there’s a real chance he can still rank among the top five edge rushers in the league.
At the same time, I get why some observers question whether he’s the same player who terrorized opposing offenses a few years ago. That skepticism is part of why recent comments drew attention. One Steelers reporter went so far as to suggest Watt was probably better in one-on-one battles a few years back. It’s hard to dispute that assessment. Watt will need to come out swinging next season and prove the doubters wrong.
You hear a similar sentiment from others around the game. Ray Fittipaldo, speaking on 93.7 The Fan’s Morning Show, said Watt might not receive the same “Myles Garrett treatment” he once did. “You could probably call it the T.J. Watt treatment,” Fittipaldo noted, but he suggested we may be past that stage with Watt given his age—he’s in his early 30s now. The production hasn’t always matched the peak of a few years ago, and Fittipaldo implied Watt may win games in different ways going forward. He asked whether Watt can still be the guy defenses must constantly account for, while acknowledging that the dynamic has shifted and the emphasis on him might not be as singular as it once was.
If there’s one player I’m not ready to count out, it’s Watt. He’s shown resilience by returning from injuries, playing through them, and remaining the best player on the Steelers for several seasons. Sure, the last couple of years haven’t been flawless, but there’s a strong case to be made that Watt can bounce back and recapture a level closer to his formidable prime. He’s far from finished, and denying that reality ignores the impact and talent he continues to bring to the field.
From a broader perspective, Watt’s arc remains compelling for fans and analysts alike. Do we see a gradual evolution in how he influences games—more disruption in the backfield, more versatility in rushing from different alignments, more contribution in run defense and pass rush wins against double teams? The path to reclaiming elite status may involve adjusting expectations, embracing a broader toolkit, and leveraging his leadership to elevate the entire defense.
Ultimately, Watt’s legacy isn’t erased by a couple of lean seasons. It hinges on how he responds this coming year: whether he reclaims the explosiveness, refines his technique against aging tackles, and proves that he can still dominate one-on-one when it matters most. Until then, the door remains open for him to remind everyone why he’s been one of the most impactful players on the field. There’s plenty of football left to play, and Watt’s track record suggests he’s capable of reclaiming a top-tier edge presence if he stays healthy and relentlessly pursues improvement.