Yesterday, Matthew Marczi asked a fair and realistic question of if T.J. Watt can notch more than 16 sacks this season, breaking James Harrison’s current single-season record. I’m going to take it a step further and push my chips all-in. Not saying it will happen but I think it’s possible for this defense to be the first to crack 60 in quite some time.
Some perspective. Since 2000, only four defenses have hit that figure. The 2013 Carolina Panthers, 2006 Baltimore Ravens and San Diego Chargers, and 2000 New Orleans Saints. Only two teams did it in the 90s. All those defenses had excellent to elite pass rushers. The Panthers had Greg Hardy, the Chargers Shawn Merriman, Ravens Terrell Suggs (who didn’t even lead the team), and Saints La’Roi Glover.
And all those teams had at least two defenders who registered double-digit sacks.
Pittsburgh is built a similar way. Watt finished the year on the highest of notes and though I wouldn’t classify him as an elite pass rusher – yet – he’s bordering on excellent. He finished last year with 13 takedowns, including three of them over the final three weeks. With his hand use improved, it’s entirely possible he reaches at least 15 sacks in 2019, even if he doesn’t break Deebo’s mark.
Who is the other Steeler who will meet Watt with double-digit sacks? Easy answer. Cam Heyward. 20 of them over the last two seasons. So let’s give him ten.
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https://steelersdepot.com/2019/06/ca...sacks-in-2019/