The Pittsburgh Steelers boast a collection of future Hall of Famers on defense right now. And yet they look more confused than coordinated as Mike Tomlin’s defense continues struggling to hold the line, surrendering nearly 400 yards to their week 1 – week 3 opponents.  Hoping to come out of the limbo, moving TJ Watt to the right side was supposed to add versatility that has now turned into chaos before a crucial game against the Vikings. 

The linebacker isn’t exactly thrilled about his new role on the right side of the line. Watt admits it isn’t clicking yet. “I am trying to go over to the right from time to time, but I just feel more at home on the left right now.” He’s giving it the old college try, but it’s clear the comfort and explosiveness that made him a Defensive Player of the Year still live on the left side.

This season, TJ Watt has played 169 snaps with a whopping 83% on the left, a huge difference from last year’s near-exclusive left-side dominance. The HC hasn’t punted on the experiment, but the signs are flashing yellow for the Steelers D. 

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is trying his best to make moves to maximize Watt’s impact without forcing him off balance. That’s why at times, Watt’s used as a decoy, shifting just enough to confuse offenses but mostly playing where he thrives. 

“We always try to balance what’s best for the team, and he’s going to have his opportunities to rush on his preferred left side and do those things. So, we’re always trying to do what’s better for the team,” Austin said.

The purpose of this is to make the Steelers team “one-dimensional.”

“I am trying to make it effective on the right,” Watt said. “If we can make a team one-dimensional, then it is something that we can weaponize.” But if TJ Watt’s history tells us anything, it’s that even the best have limits. As Kaboly reported, the experiment has been in the works for over three weeks now, but they may soon pull the plug to some extent, as the LB isn’t exactly comfortable with the commitment for a full-time switch. 

Watt’s worst sack totals came in years when he was on the right side more than usual. The flash of brilliance that saw him tie Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record happened after he switched full-time to the left side. But the issue is the Steelers don’t have time for experiments to drag on. 

Mike Tomlin’s defense is in crisis

Coming off the defensive nightmare of giving up yards in back-to-back games, the defense looks shaky. The problem is cohesion and schemes. Whereas TJ Watt’s limbo on the right side symbolizes a bigger issue: Pittsburgh hasn’t found its rhythm.

The defense ranked 26th against both the run and pass and barely dodged losses thanks to turnovers and moments of brilliance by Cameron Heyward, Darius Slay, and Jalen Ramsey.

This upcoming game against Minnesota brings the urgency into sharp focus. Vikings have a strong offense, and the Steelers’ defense needs to lock down fast. The Steelers want a one-dimensional defense that can confuse offenses by shifting pressure points. Instead, Watt’s roadblock throws a wrench in that plan.

The Steelers will likely keep Watt mostly on the left side for now, but continue some right-side snaps to keep opponents guessing. Austin believes moving him around, even if it’s not Watts’ preference, gives the defense an edge.

Mark Kaboly’s report for The Pat McAfee Show brings it all together: TJ Watt’s right-side experiment is an uphill battle, and the Steelers’ defense has yet to bounce back from early-season struggles.