Pittsburgh Colts send message to Steelers’ TJ Watt

The Indianapolis Colts know what they’re getting into when they line up against TJ Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters his team had to prepare profusely for Watt before Sunday’s game, given his ability to destroy the game and his motor.

“He’s a phenomenal football player,” Steichen said. “He’s always around the ball. He has a relentless motor. He plays 100 miles per hour on every snap. So we have to have a plan for him…”

On the year, Watt recorded three sacks and eight total pressures while being heavily chipped at the highest rate of any passer in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.

Indianapolis’ offensive line is among the best in the league, thanks in large part to its blocking duo of Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith, who have been studs so far this season.

However, Watt and the rest of the Steelers’ defense present a whole other challenge, and Indianapolis offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter acknowledged that fact this week.

“…In this league, there are some just phenomenal players on some of these defenses, and TJ Watt is certainly one of them,” Cooter said. “We need to know where he’s going to line up and how he’s likely to line up in their scheme – sort of, what his defensive role is going to be on every play, and how we can best attack the defense…”

The Colts’ game plan will likely center around neutralizing Watt, and for good reason. The 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and four-time first-team All-Pro can single-handedly stop an offense in its tracks, and he’s likely to attract even more attention than he gets. would have done initially now that Alex Highsmith will be out with a groin injury for Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson gave his own opinion on Watt’s prowess, mentioning that the team has plans in place aimed at keeping him out of the backfield.

“Man, I mean, everyone knows he’s a potential Hall of Famer,” Richardson said. “He’s a great guy – high motor, high effort. He’s pretty strong, physical. So we definitely have a few things for him to keep him from getting to the quarterback.”

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