T.J. Watt absolutely shredded the Atlanta Falcons in the Steelers’ 20-13 season opener, but his unbelievable 35-yard pick six didn’t just help seal the win, it carved his name into NFL history alongside an all-time legend. We’re talking about a level of defensive play that hardly ever gets seen in this league, and Watt brought it in Week 1.
Watt Just Pulled Off a Career Milestone Only Julius Peppers Could Claim
Watt’s stat line against the Falcons was ridiculous: four tackles, two sacks, and that monster 35-yard interception return for a touchdown. He looked like his old Defensive Player of the Year self, dominating the game from start to finish. But the real kicker? That pick six wasn’t just a highlight reel play; it was his tenth career interception. Pair that with his insane 117 career sacks, and you’ve got a club of two. Seriously, only two guys. According to ESPN Insights, since sacks became an official statistic in 1982, Watt and Hall of Famer Julius Peppers are the only NFL players to log 100 sacks and 10 interceptions over a career. Think about that for a second: Watt needed that pick six to hit the tenth interception mark and etch his name into the record books.
This Is More Than Just an Obscure Stat, Folks
This isn’t some random, obscure stat that means nothing, either. It screams “impact player.” For a guy who primarily rushes the passer from the line of scrimmage, finding ways to snag picks like that shows an elite read on the game, a knack for plays others would simply swat away. Watt has always had that rare ability to intercept passes that most defenders would just bat down, and that skill was on full display in the season opener. It was the exact kind of high-impact, game-changing play the Steelers needed in a tight 20-13 win to kick off the regular season.
What a way to start the year! Watt is playing like a man possessed, showing exactly why he’s a game-wrecker. If this is the form he’s bringing to every Week 1, the rest of the league needs to take serious notice. This kind of dominant, two-way play from your defensive anchor? That’s how you set the tone early in the regular season, folks. Get ready for more fireworks, because T.J. Watt is just getting started.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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