‘He’s Different’ — Patrick Graham Reveals Why TJ Watt Can Do What Nobody Else Can

September 15, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ win in their week one game against the Atlanta Falcons had plenty of reasons for celebration for T.J. Watt, although the bigger story lies in how the Steelers plan to utilize Watt as the new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham prepares to unleash him.

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This is an interesting situation because Watt will be turning 32 years old very soon, but the Steelers just saw him notch two sacks and a pick-six while making just 38 defensive snaps.

Patrick Graham Thinks T.J. Watt can Change Games from Anywhere

May 24, 2022; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) and linebacker TJ Watt (90) participate in organized team activities at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

While talking to the media on September 15, Steelers defensive coordinator Graham shared his take on what makes Watt different from everybody else. The coach pointed to the linebacker’s rare ability to turn difficult plays into routine ones, something Graham admitted he could never replicate.

“Just watching the highlights over the years, watching him in practice, getting to know him as a person, as a football player, he pretty much probably could do whatever he puts his mind to on that football field. That’s why he is who he is. To me, it’s a great football play. For us, impossible. There’s no way I’m doing that, no way I could have done that. Even back at Crosby High School it’s not getting done, period. But for him? He’s different.”

Patrick Graham praises TJ Watt: “Just watching the highlights over the years, watching him in practice, getting to know him as a person, as a football player, he pretty much probably could do whatever he puts his mind to on that football field. That's why he is who he is. To me,…
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) September 15, 2026

That praise comes as Watt prepares for a more flexible role in Graham’s defense. The veteran has spent most of his career rushing from the left side, while Alex Highsmith handled much of the work on the opposite edge. In the previous season, Watt took just 10 snaps from the right side.

This year, that approach is changing. Watt recently acknowledged that his previous preference for staying in one spot will not fit Graham’s system. The new scheme asks the entire front to learn multiple positions and responsibilities.

That kind of versatility would certainly come in handy following the 31-year-old’s 18.5 sacks in two seasons, which include 7 sacks in 2025. However, the Week 1 performance by Watt versus the Falcons was definitely a testament to Watt’s capabilities. Overall, Watt made two sacks, four tackles, two tackles for losses, two quarterback hurries, and a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown during the Steelers’ 20-13 victory.

According to Mike McCarthy, head coach of the Steelers, on Monday, Watt was projected to take 40 snaps. This approach is very clear: fewer snaps and more impact once the game reaches its climax.

Graham also promised that the Steelers defense will bring more pressure after recording no blitzes in Week 1. With Jalen Ramsey, Patrick Queen, and Jaquan Brisker capable of creating problems on blitzes, the Steelers could show a different defensive personality against the New England Patriots in Week 2.

For now, Graham has seen enough to trust Watt’s instincts.

‘He’s Different’ — Patrick Graham Reveals Why TJ Watt Can Do What Nobody Else Can

Patrick Graham Thinks T.J. Watt can Change Games from Anywhere

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