Pittsburgh Steelers star edge rusher TJ Watt has consistently faced frustration due to perceived unfair treatment from referees and pundits. Despite his exceptional talent, Watt has been snubbed for awards and feels he doesn’t receive favorable calls, particularly regarding holding penalties. Many believe Watt is held on nearly every play, but referees rarely call it.
Former NFL official Gene Steratore shed light on this issue, explaining that holding occurs on almost every play, but referees have specific criteria for calling it. Steratore noted that Watt’s signature rip move, which contributes to his success, also makes it less likely for holding penalties to be called. This technique, also used by former Steeler James Harrison, makes it challenging for referees to distinguish between holding and legitimate blocking.
Watt’s frustration boiled over in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, where two strip sacks were negated by penalties. A referee later admitted to making a mistake on an offsides call, highlighting the inconsistent officiating Watt faces. Despite this, Watt remains dominant, accumulating 98.5 sacks over his eight-year career, including a sack in both 2024 games.
The Steelers’ stacked defense, led by Watt, has been impressive in the first two weeks, making them a formidable contender in 2024. Watt’s ability to torment opposing offensive linemen remains unmatched, and his growth and dominance continue to delight Steelers fans. As the season progresses, Watt’s performance will be crucial to the Steelers’ success, and he will likely continue to face challenges from officials and opponents alike.
