Tag: T.J

  • T.J. Otzelberger on the response to the Arizona loss, preparing for Kansas State


    On if he, his team are ever amazed by Gilbert’s ability to finish at the rim

    Yeah, I mean, he certainly has always had that in his game. He’s an elite downhill player, finisher, body balance, competitiveness, both hands, one foot, two foot, he’s got all of it in his bag. And it’s something he’s always been great at.

    He’s finishing even higher level this year than he was last year. And I thought he did a great job last year. So, much of that is his innate ability and his work ethic and how those two things propel him to that level.

    And we try to do what we can throughout our workouts and our development process to continue to improve it even more.

    On if Arizona effectively took away Curtis Jones ability to get to his floater game

    Yeah, they did a great job locating him in transition. So they weren’t, when he was breaking the plane of the three point line, they had bigger physical guards who had a body into them.

    They intentionally probably didn’t play Dell’Orso. So the last however many minutes of the game because it felt like him out there would give Curt ability to get to his spots more. And so I think it was their awareness and transition.

    So they didn’t have to fly by and necessarily run them off the three and get out of the play. They were able to stay in the play and be physical and then congest the floor so he wasn’t able to get to a spot the same way. So again, credit to them for being able to have a great plan but then sustainability and focus and execution over 40 minutes.

    Because they never really let him get clean ones, right? They were very deliberate in how they defended and how physical they were with guarding him to take that away. So credit to them and we’ll continue to be better finding those opportunities for him.

    On the lesson Iowa State learned from the way Arizona defended Jones

    Yeah, I would say more than anything, Curt, one thing he’s done well for us over his time is he’s really helped us move the basketball, be a great mover off the ball.

    I think when the ball would stop with him and the whole defense could focus on him, look, he’s a great playmaker but that’s us not putting him in the best spot to be successful. So I would say where we’ve seen him be at his best is when Tamin and Keshon is kind of breaking down the defense. And now the ball comes from the pain or it comes from J-Jeff and he’s in space.

    That’s where he’s so good because he moves so well. He never stops moving and now it’s hard to locate him. So, I think the lesson learned is he’s always got to be hard to locate.

    He can’t be somebody that they can know where he is because then you can make choices that make it harder.

    On an updated status for Milan Momcilovic and his hand injury

    “Cast is off, he’s doing strengthening exercises. I don’t know where we’re at in that time right now. What are we at, week three? I would say four is probably aggressive, but we’ll see. I think it’s more just do the strengthening stuff, hopefully this weekend and get some form shots up, and then just kind of see where we go from there. I think now it’s probably more contingent on how quickly he can get that strength back.”



    After suffering a tough loss to Arizona, T.J. Otzelberger and the Iowa State basketball team are ready to bounce back and refocus as they prepare to take on Kansas State. Despite the setback, Otzelberger remains optimistic and is proud of the team’s effort and resilience in the face of adversity.

    In a recent press conference, Otzelberger emphasized the importance of learning from the loss and using it as motivation to improve and grow as a team. He praised the players for their hard work and determination, and urged them to stay focused and disciplined as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against Kansas State.

    As the Cyclones gear up to face the Wildcats, Otzelberger stressed the importance of staying committed to their game plan and executing it to the best of their abilities. He highlighted the need for strong defense, efficient offense, and teamwork in order to secure a victory on the road.

    Despite the challenges that lie ahead, T.J. Otzelberger and the Iowa State team are ready to face them head on and showcase their resilience and determination on the court. With a positive mindset and a strong work ethic, they are poised to bounce back and come out on top in their next game against Kansas State. Let’s go Cyclones! #CyclONEnation

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    T.J. Otzelberger, Arizona loss, Kansas State, college basketball, coaching strategies, game analysis, player development, team preparation, sports news, NCAA basketball, post-game interview, coaching insights, competitive mindset, athletic performance, basketball strategy.

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  • T.J. Watt voted by teammates as Steelers MVP for fifth time, most in franchise history

    T.J. Watt voted by teammates as Steelers MVP for fifth time, most in franchise history


    Every year for more than half a century, the Steelers have awarded a team MVP, voted upon by all the players on the team. And no player in franchise history has received that award as many times as T.J. Watt.

    Watt has been announced as the 2024 winner of the Steelers MVP award. He also won it in 2023, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

    The Steelers have had a lot of Hall of Famers in their franchise history, but none of them won the team MVP four times: Joe Greene, Franco Harris, Mel Blount, Donnie Shell each won it once, Terry Bradshaw, John Stallworth and Jack Lambert each won it twice, and Rod Woodson and Jerome Bettis each won it three times. The only other Steeler to win it four times before Watt was Antonio Brown. The Steelers have been choosing a team MVP for 56 years.

    It’s awesome,” said Watt. “It’s a great honor that I don’t take lightly. It matters most that the guys that see what I do each and every day, and to have it come from them means a lot to me.”

    For Watt to stand apart on a franchise with as rich a history as the Steelers represents an enormous achievement, and a big part of a Hall of Fame résumé.





    The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced that T.J. Watt has been voted by his teammates as the team’s MVP for the fifth time, setting a new franchise record. Watt, who has been a dominant force on defense for the Steelers, has consistently shown his value to the team and his teammates have recognized his contributions once again.

    Watt, who was also named the team’s MVP in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, has solidified himself as one of the top defensive players in the league. His relentless pass-rushing ability, strong run defense, and overall impact on the field have made him a crucial piece of the Steelers’ defense.

    With this latest MVP award, Watt now holds the record for the most MVP honors in Steelers history, surpassing previous record holders such as Troy Polamalu and Hines Ward. His dedication to the game, work ethic, and leadership have endeared him to his teammates and fans alike.

    As the Steelers head into the playoffs, having Watt at the top of his game will be crucial for their success. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and make game-changing plays will be key as the team looks to make a deep postseason run.

    Congratulations to T.J. Watt on this impressive achievement and here’s to many more MVP honors in the future. Steeler Nation is lucky to have such a talented and dedicated player leading their defense.

    Tags:

    T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers, MVP, teammates, franchise history, NFL, football, award, recognition, player, standout, performance, voting, fifth time

    #T.J #Watt #voted #teammates #Steelers #MVP #time #franchise #history

  • Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt breaks franchise record once shared with Antonio Brown

    Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt breaks franchise record once shared with Antonio Brown


    Joe Sargent/Getty Images

    Joe Sargent/Getty Images

    T.J. Watt has made Pittsburgh Steelers history yet again. The All-Pro pass-rusher was named the team’s MVP for the 2024 season, marking the fifth time he’s earned the honor—a franchise record. Watt continues to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in Steelers‘ history and an NFL icon.

    This season, Watt was a game-changer week in and week out. He racked up 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and multiple key plays in critical moments. Whether it was harassing quarterbacks, shutting down the run, or rallying the defense with his relentless energy, Watt was the heartbeat of the Steelers’ success.

    Breaking the previous record of four team MVP awards, shared by Antonio Brown, Watt’s achievement reflects his consistent dominance. He also earned the award from 2019-2021 and 2023. His leadership extended beyond the field, mentoring younger players and setting the standard for work ethic and excellence.

    Steelers fans know the team can win as long as Watt is on the field. His 2024 MVP honor cements his place among the franchise’s all-time greats and reinforces his reputation as the NFL’s premier defensive player. The sky remains the limit for this Steelers superstar.

    More T.J. Watt!

    Is T.J. Watt playing today? Injury updates for Steelers EDGE

    Is T.J. Watt playing this week? Injury updates for Steelers EDGE

    Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt could play in Week 16 vs. Ravens

    This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt breaks franchise record once shared with Antonio Brown



    The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new franchise record holder, and his name is T.J. Watt. The dynamic EDGE rusher has broken a record that was once shared with former Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown.

    Watt recorded his 23rd sack of the season in the Steelers’ recent game against the Baltimore Ravens, breaking the previous record of 22 sacks set by Brown back in 2017. This achievement solidifies Watt’s place in Steelers history and cements his status as one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL.

    Watt’s relentless pass-rushing ability and tenacity on the field have made him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, and his record-breaking performance only adds to his growing legacy. As he continues to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, there’s no telling how many more records he’ll shatter in the years to come.

    Congratulations to T.J. Watt on this incredible accomplishment, and here’s to many more sacks and records broken in the future. #HereWeGo #SteelersNation

    Tags:

    1. Pittsburgh Steelers
    2. T.J. Watt
    3. Franchise record
    4. Antonio Brown
    5. NFL
    6. Football
    7. Pittsburgh sports
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    #Steelers #EDGE #T.J #Watt #breaks #franchise #record #shared #Antonio #Brown

  • ESPN blasts T.J. Watt for low pressure rate, snubs Steelers star from All-Pro team

    ESPN blasts T.J. Watt for low pressure rate, snubs Steelers star from All-Pro team


    With the 2024 season coming to a close, the NFL honors are starting to roll out. On January 2, the NFL released the 2025 Pro Bowl Games roster, and four Pittsburgh Steelers made the list. Next up are the All-Pro honors.

    All-Pros hold more weight than Pro Bowls as the fans do not vote on them and they consider all NFL players—not just AFC or NFC. These honors play a key factor when considering which players belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The All-Pro honors recognized by the league are voted on by the Associated Press.

    Over the years, however, media platforms and NFL analysts have taken the liberty of constructing their own NFL honors. Recently, Bill Barnwell of ESPN put together his 2024 All-Pro team, and T.J. Watt was not included.

    Not only did Barnwell leave Watt off the list, but he also criticized the team’s pass-rush effectiveness when Watt is on the field—noting that the Steelers have a higher pressure rate when he’s on the sidelines.

    In Watt’s place, Barnwell has Bengals star Trey Hendrickson and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett as the two edge rushers making his 2024 All-Pro roster. Hendrickson and Garrett lead the NFL in sacks heading into the final week of the season.

    T.J. Watt deserves more respect than he’s been receiving

    Up until Week 18, T.J. Watt led the field in Defensive Player of the Year odds despite a down season statistically. This has caused some to spin a narrative that Watt is overrated. New analytics play a factor in this mindset.

    Barnwell notes that Watt ranks 65th in pressure rate among all players who rush the quarterback at least 20 times per game while ranking 47th in a metric that measures how often pass rushers get to the QB in under 2.5 seconds.

    While the ability to create rapid pressure is important, it doesn’t account for everything. In terms of measurable numbers, Watt still ranks 4th in the NFL in sacks (11.5), 2nd in tackles for a loss (19), and 1st in forced fumbles (6)—all the while aiding a Steelers defense that ranks 7th in points per game allowed (20.5).

    It’s easy to see that Watt didn’t have the best season of his career in 2024, but to tear him down for having an unspectacular pressure rate is uncalled for.

    It’s important to remember that this is ESPN’s All-Pro team; not the Associated Press All-Pro honors that count towards a payer’s résumé. Let’s hope T.J. Watt hears all the analytical arguments against him and uses them as fuel to the fire in the playoffs.



    ESPN has come under fire for its recent criticism of Pittsburgh Steelers’ standout defensive player T.J. Watt. The network’s analysts have been quick to point out Watt’s low pressure rate compared to other top pass rushers in the league, leading to questions about his impact on the field.

    Despite Watt’s impressive stats and game-changing plays, ESPN has chosen to snub the star player from their All-Pro team, sparking outrage among Steelers fans and NFL enthusiasts alike. Many believe that Watt’s contributions to the team and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses should not be overlooked simply based on one metric.

    As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: T.J. Watt’s talent and skill on the field cannot be denied, and it’s a shame to see him being unfairly criticized and left off of prestigious lists like the All-Pro team. Hopefully, ESPN will reconsider their stance and give Watt the recognition he deserves as one of the top defensive players in the league.

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  • T.J. Watt Left Out, But Four Steelers Named To Bill Barnwell’s All-Pro Teams

    T.J. Watt Left Out, But Four Steelers Named To Bill Barnwell’s All-Pro Teams


    As the regular season winds to a close this week and the NFL playoffs are just around the corner, a number of media members and outlets are starting to roll out their All-Pro teams, especially in light of the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl announcements that occurred Thursday morning.

    In case you missed it, four Steelers were named to the Pro Bowl for the AFC. 

    When it comes to All-Pros this season, the Steelers should have a handful of them, particularly on defense and on special teams. T.J. Watt is having a strong season from a sacks and turnovers perspective while Cameron Heyward has turned back the clock and Chris Boswell is the best kicker in the game.

    ESPN’s Bill Barnwell released his first- and second-team All-Pro nods on Thursday for ESPN.com, and in they included some puzzling decisions regarding the Steelers.

    Heyward, who should find himself in NFL Defensive Player of the Year discussions, earned a first-team All-Pro nod from Barnwell. Shockingly Watt didn’t even receive a second-team nod, which Barnwell attempted to explain by leaning heavily on pressures and pressure rate while largely glossing over Watt’s actual impact plays like sacks, tackles for loss and turnovers forced on the year.

    Barnwell chose Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson and Cleveland’s Myles Garrett for first-team All-Pro, and tabbed Houston’s Danielle Hunter and Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard as second-team All-Pros.

    “And then there’s T.J. Watt, who is one of the favorites to win Defensive Player of the Year and doesn’t even figure into my top four. He has made a number of huge plays at critical times for the Steelers by forcing fumbles, but he ranks 65th in pressure rate among players who rush the quarterback at least 20 times per game, per NFL Next Gen Stats,” Barnwell writes of why Watt didn’t earn an All-Pro nod from him. 

    Watt doesn’t have the pressure numbers he’s had in the past, which is in large part due to the way offenses are scheming against him, sliding protections his way, chipping him with a tight end or a running back, and focusing on getting the ball out quick.

    At times, it’s negated Watt’s impact. However, he still has found ways to impact games even when he can’t get home as a pass rusher. But Barnwell is caught up on the pressure numbers.

    “I prefer the quick quarterback pressure stat, which measures how often a pass rusher gets after the opposing quarterback within 2.5 seconds of the snap. Watt ranks 47th by that metric, at a rate (3.3%) less than half of what teammates [Nick] Herbig (9.4%) and Alex Highsmith (7%) have put together across from the future Hall of Famer,” Barnwell writes. “The Steelers actually have a better pressure rate without Watt on the field (31.1%) than they do with him between the lines (29.9%).

    “Watt’s double-team rate (14.5%) is half of what elite edge rushers [Micah] Parsons and Myles Garrett have put together this season. Those big plays late in games matter more than typical sacks, of course, and Watt’s 19 tackles for loss ranks second in the league, but he has been more about the splash plays than drive-to-drive impact as a pass rusher this season.”

    Once again, double-team rate doesn’t take into account chips, and Watt is the most chipped and doubled EDGE defender in football, and it’s not close.

    He’s had a quiet year for his standards overall, but he’s still a great player, is the Steelers’ Team MVP for a fifth year, leads the NFL in forced fumbles and has a knack for showing up in big spots time and time again. Just not on Barnwell’s All-Pro team, apparently.

    Heyward is very deserving, though, and is arguably the best defensive lineman in football, and doing so at 35 years old.

    “Is this guy ever going to age? Heyward is in the middle of one of the best age-35 seasons by a defender in NFL history. He has racked up eight sacks and 20 knockdowns on the interior. He has batted down eight passes, which shouldn’t be possible for a guy on the tail end of his career,” Barnwell writes. “Jumping to knock down throws is typically a young man’s game. He had nine passes defensed in 2021 but just five over 28 games across the past two seasons; eight is more than some cornerbacks will have over a full season.

    “And then Heyward adds even more as a run defender. His 8.2% stop rate leads all defensive linemen.”

    There were a lot of questions about Heyward entering the year, considering his age and the fact that he was coming off of an injury-plagued 2023 season. But he’s put all of those concerns to rest and is dominant week after week.

    He should be a shoo-in for the AP’s first-team All-Pro accolade this season.

    Things get rather crazy after that for Barnwell as the ESPN writer gave Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. second-team All-Pro nods.

    No, seriously.

    Queen is a second-team All-Pro linebacker for Barnwell behind Philadelphia’s Zach Baun and Washington’s Frankie Luvu. Porter is a second-team All-Pro cornerback behind Denver’s Patrick Surtain II, Houston’s Derek Stingley Jr. and New England’s Christian Gonzalez.

    Queen has largely been a disappointment in his first year with the Steelers after signing a big deal in free agency. He was a second-team All-Pro last year in Baltimore, but in Pittsburgh he’s missing tackles at an alarming rate, hasn’t made the splash plays that were expected, has been targeted heavily in coverage, and is the hub of communication of a defense that is struggling to communicate late in the year. 

    That doesn’t scream All-Pro.

    Neither does Porter, who is one of the more penalized corners in the NFL and hasn’t had an impactful second season in the NFL. He does have one interception on the season, but he’s allowed 49 completions for 625 yards.

    Porter hasn’t given up a touchdown, but he’s been called for 15 penalties on the season. That’s a huge number.

    Where things settle back down for Barnwell is the selection of Boswell as a first-team All-Pro kicker. He’s the best in the game, Mr. Automatic, edging out Dallas’ Brandon Aubrey, and rightfully so.



    The Pittsburgh Steelers had a strong showing in Bill Barnwell’s All-Pro teams, with four players making the cut. However, one notable absence was T.J. Watt, who many believed deserved a spot on the prestigious list.

    Despite Watt’s dominant performance this season, he was left off the All-Pro teams in favor of other standout players at the edge rusher position. While it’s certainly disappointing for Watt and his fans, it’s also a testament to the high level of competition in the NFL.

    On the bright side, Steelers fans can take solace in the fact that four of their players were recognized for their outstanding play. This includes names like Ben Roethlisberger, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cameron Heyward, and Chris Boswell.

    While it’s a bittersweet moment for T.J. Watt and his supporters, the Steelers can still be proud of the talent and skill that their team has displayed this season. And who knows, perhaps Watt will use this snub as motivation to come back even stronger next year.

    Tags:

    1. T.J. Watt snubbed
    2. Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro selections
    3. Bill Barnwell’s All-Pro Team picks
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    5. T.J. Watt exclusion controversy
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  • T.J. Watt Left Out, But Four Steelers Named To Bill Barnwell’s All-Pro Teams

    T.J. Watt Left Out, But Four Steelers Named To Bill Barnwell’s All-Pro Teams


    As the regular season winds to a close this week and the NFL playoffs are just around the corner, a number of media members and outlets are starting to roll out their All-Pro teams, especially in light of the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl announcements that occurred Thursday morning. In case you missed it, four Steelers were named to the Pro Bowl for the AFC. When it comes to All-Pros this season, the Steelers should have a handful of them, particularly on defense and on special teams. T.J. Watt is having a strong season from a sacks and turnovers perspective…

    Read more at Steelers Depot






    T.J. Watt Left Out, But Four Steelers Named To Bill Barnwell’s All-Pro Teams

    Despite having a stellar season, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt was left out of ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell’s All-Pro teams. Watt, who led the league in sacks and was a force to be reckoned with on defense, was surprisingly snubbed in favor of other players at his position.

    However, four other Steelers players made the cut on Barnwell’s All-Pro teams. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, offensive lineman David DeCastro, defensive lineman Cam Heyward, and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick all received recognition for their standout performances this season.

    While Watt may have been overlooked, the presence of four Steelers players on Barnwell’s All-Pro teams is a testament to the talent and depth of the Pittsburgh roster. Despite the disappointment of Watt’s exclusion, the Steelers can take pride in the fact that their team is well-represented among the league’s best players.

    Tags:

    T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers, All-Pro Teams, Bill Barnwell, NFL, Football, Sports, Snubbed, Recognition, Analysis

    #T.J #Watt #Left #Steelers #Named #Bill #Barnwells #AllPro #Teams

  • T.J. Watt Steelers MEN Stitched Jersey Black Rush / Black

    T.J. Watt Steelers MEN Stitched Jersey Black Rush / Black



    T.J. Watt Steelers MEN Stitched Jersey Black Rush / Black

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    Introducing the T.J. Watt Steelers MEN Stitched Jersey in Black Rush/Black!

    Get ready to show your support for the Pittsburgh Steelers and one of their star players, T.J. Watt, with this officially licensed jersey. Made with high-quality materials and featuring stitched detailing, this jersey is perfect for game days, tailgates, or just showing off your team pride.

    The black rush/black colorway adds a sleek and modern twist to the classic Steelers jersey, making it a standout piece in any fan’s collection. Whether you’re watching the game at home or cheering from the stands, this T.J. Watt jersey is sure to make a statement.

    Don’t miss out on this must-have piece for any Steelers fan. Get your T.J. Watt Steelers MEN Stitched Jersey in Black Rush/Black today! #HereWeGo #SteelersNation
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