The Pittsburgh Steelers are sitting on a tough 27-24 loss to the Browns from Thursday night, and linebacker T.J. Watt is absolutely fuming about it. Even after a personal stat line that included a sack, two tackles for loss, a pass deflection, and two quarterback hits, Watt was far from happy with how the defense played, especially at the end.
Watt Bleeds, Defense Yields
Watt showed up and balled out for his team, making plays all over the field. But his individual effort wasn’t enough to secure the win, and he’s not shying away from calling out the defensive effort. The Steelers had just clawed their way back, tying the game 24-24 with only 1:42 left in the fourth quarter. You’d think the defense would lock it down, right? Nope. The Browns marched 36 yards on seven plays, putting them right into range for the game-winning field goal. Watt clearly feels they absolutely handed that game away.
“Way Too Easy” and What It Means for Pittsburgh
Watt held nothing back, stating that the team lost a game they “should have won.” He was straight up with Steelers.com, saying, “To sit here and not be 3-1 isn’t acceptable.” He knows it’s a long season, but the sting of this loss is palpable. His most damning assessment? “Even at the end of the game, it was way too easy getting down the field and getting in [field goal] range.” That’s the kind of quote that tells you everything about the defensive breakdown. They’ve just gotta look at everything and move forward, but the frustration is clear.
The schedule ahead for Pittsburgh presents a real opportunity. They’ve got three straight games against teams with losing records , the Colts, Buccaneers, and Saints. After that stretch, they’ll get a rematch with the Browns. This sets up perfectly for the Steelers to go on a serious run. But if they’re going to do it, Watt is dead right: the defense absolutely needs to tighten things up and stop making it “way too easy” for opponents. Big games are coming, and everyone will be watching to see if they can answer Watt’s call.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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