For years, the blueprint for opposing offensive coordinators going through the s was easy – determine T.J. Watt lined up over the best deal with, dedicate a decent finish or working again to chip him, and throw to the other facet.
That predictable dynamic is altering. In Pittsburgh's Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, Watt unveiled a game-changing tweak to his repertoire by shifting to the best facet of the line of defense. Shifting away from his major alignment wasn't only a gimmick; it proved to be a deliberate schematic adjustment designed to throw safety schemes out of sync.
Just lately, Watt joined his teammate Cameron Heyward on his podcast, “d,” and was requested concerning the shift. Watt credited exterior linebackers coach Denzel Martin for pushing him out of his consolation zone throughout coaching camp.
"It's enjoyable. I imply, simply to have the ability to have the chance to go over there, and to not say I didn't have the chance earlier than, however form of to be pressured to do it extra," Watt defined. "I believe C.J.'s [Ah You] accomplished a fantastic job working with me on the best facet extra and simply attempting to be extra open to it myself. It's not going to be one thing that I do on a regular basis, however to have the ability to have it as a change-up."
The tactical advantages lengthen far past Watt's particular person matchups. Flashing onto the best edge forces opposing offenses to recalculate chip assignments mid-drive, whereas unlocking inventive pass-rush alignments alongside Alex Highsmith.
"And Alex, I imply, in the event you watch his rushes from the left facet, he's actually gifted over there as properly," Watt mentioned. "So, I believe it'll be good for everyone."
Whereas Watt admitted the right-side alignment "nonetheless doesn't really feel totally comfy," utilizing it selectively offers Pittsburgh a deadly counterpunch. By forcing offensive tackles to set otherwise and disrupting backfield chip timing, this positional fluidity elevates an already elite protection into an unpredictable nightmare for opposing callers.
This text initially appeared on Steelers Wire: e
