Former Steelers Safety Ryan Clark Credits 1 Player Completely With Pittsburgh's Daring Comeback Wins

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a remarkable comeback in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams. They were down 17-10 heading into the fourth quarter and managed to score 14 unanswered points. While the offense managed to put points on the board late in the game, the team once again relied heavily on their defense to keep them afloat. According to one former Steelers player, it wasn't just the defense, it was really one player - T.J. Watt. 

In the first three quarters, the Steelers offense once again seemed to be asleep at the wheel. They went three and out after three and out. This isn't the first time during the 2023 season Pittsburgh has found themselves in this position. During the Week 5 game against the Baltimore Ravens, they did something similar, clawing their way back to win with 14 points in the fourth quarter. 

During that Ravens game, and the earlier win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Steelers were lucky to have their defense help keep them in the game and ultimately win the game. In fact, in Week 2, the defense actually won the Steelers the game with both Watt and his counterpart Alex Highsmith scoring touchdowns off of Browns turnovers. 

Now former Steelers safety turned analyst, Ryan Clark is chiming in on the Steelers' Week 7 victory. On the ESPN Show, Get Up, Clark and company were discussing the Steelers' win. His co-host Mike Greenberg said Pittsburgh "Tomlined their way into another win." This made Clark laugh as he acknowledged they seem to win when they shouldn't. 

"They're the most accidentally winning football team in the world baby," joked Clark.

Greenberg pointed out that the Steelers have been outgained in all six of their games this year, but in spite of that, they have still found a way to be 4-2 and second in the AFC North behind the Ravens (who have played one more game this season). While they note that Head Coach Mike Tomlin deserves credit, their edge rusher, T.J. Watt, deserves to get most of the credit, according to Clark. 

"In that defense, T.J. Watt not only makes plays the entire game, he makes game-changing plays. This interception that sets up an opportunity to score is T.J. Watt doing something we're not used to him do. He drops, you see the fire zone, it's a great read, it's a great catch."

The interception that Clark is referring to came at the start of the second half. The Steelers offense had been absolutely stagnant and then Watt picked off Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. He seemed poised to score his second touchdown of the season off of his seventh interception, but was finally brought down at about the 6-yard line. 

That incredible defensive play set the offense up for a touchdown, which was run in by quarterback Kenny Pickett. Watt is tied for the league lead with 8 sacks. He appears to be poised to make a run for AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, looking more and more like the 2021 version of himself and certainly on track to pick up 22.5 sacks. Clark said that despite it all, he does not get the appreciation he deserves.  

"His athleticism is underrated. T.J. Watt is an absolute stud of an athlete and he also understands where to be, how to be there, and when he needs to make these plays," exclaimed Clark.

Clark isn't the only member of the Get Up crew who appreciates what a freak athlete Watt is. Dan Orlovsky said that Watt had one of the best plays of the season so far with his Week 7 interception. It wasn't just an incredible read and catch, it also led to the kind of shift in momentum that the Steelers needed. 

"T.J. Watt has won two games. As an outside linebacker, defensive end - he won the Cleveland game and because of that pick, it's really the turning point of the difference in the football game. I was completely wrong in this game. I thought the Rams were going to throw up and down the football field. I will credit that defense, obviously T.J. Watt," remarked Orlovsky.

While the defense helps the team turn things around, the analysts noted that quarterback Kenny Pickett was able to get things done when needed. He not only ran in a touchdown himself off of Watt's interception, he helped them drive down the field for two other rushing touchdowns. 

Are The Steelers Tomlin-ing Their Way Into A Solid Season?

While Clark and the gang all agree that Watt is owed a huge thanks for the wins they've amassed this season, they also acknowledge that without Tomlin at the helm, it might not be possible. Greenberg noted that they are second in the AFC North at 4-2 and there are many who didn't think they would do this well. 

"They're Tomlin-ing their way right into a season that no one thinks they should have. He's an elite coach and people need to talk about him more."

This has become a bit of a pattern for Tomlin as well as Pickett. This was Pickett's fifth fourth-quarter comeback in his 18 career starts. Pickett owes those opportunities to Watt, and Watt owes his ability to be in that position to Tomlin and Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin. As a defensive-minded coach, Tomlin certainly had a hand in dropping Watt into coverage after halftime. 

Pittsburgh moved Watt all over the field trying to help him be able to get free, but the Rams double and triple-teamed him all game. Statistically speaking, Watt wasn't a huge factor. However, it only takes one play and Watt had one that turned the game around. Having to shut down Watt opened up opportunities for other players. Nick Herbig and Larry Ogunjobi both had sacks, while Alex Highsmith was able to be disruptive.

The Steelers have been able to find ways to win, but to be able to sustain this for the remainder of the season, they have to find a way to have an impact early. If they find a way to make it into the playoffs, they will need better offensive consistency to win. 

What do you think about Clark's comments on Watt? Click to comment below!

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