Halicke: Can't nullify Watt's impact on this defense

ATLANTA -- People are beginning to run out of words for how to describe T.J. Watt. 

One word that Donte Jackson used after the Steelers' 18-10 win over the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium: "Game-wrecker."

What's really funny about it is somebody who would just read the box score would see a pretty typical Watt game. Nothing completely crazy, just four tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and one fumble recovery. That's a solid day at the office.

But here's one play that didn't count:

And here's another:

Two strip sacks that Watt should have had, especially that first one in which Watt told NFL Network after the game that the official admitted to him later that it was a mistake and Watt was not offside:

"Yeah, especially when the official says he messed it up," Watt said. "After the first half, he went in and saw it."

That would have nullified Atlanta's lone touchdown of the game, and the final score would have been more indicative of just how dominant this defense was in their season opener.

But three takeaways will do it. Of course, Watt had one of them when he beat not one, not two, but three Falcons to the ball after the snap hit the man in motion and bounced around in the Atlanta backfield:

In addition, DeShon Elliott and Jackson both recorded interceptions in their Steelers debuts. But even Elliott credited the dominance that took place up front.

"I was doing my job. We were running a specific coverage. I'm like, 'You were gonna throw that? Throw it,'" Elliott said, describing his interception. "But I think he threw it because of the rush. If you do your job and are in the place at the right time, the ball will come to you."

The Steelers had a very difficult game plan to execute in this one. Cousins came into the game not only with the sixth-best interception rate in the NFL since 2015, but is also very, very good against the blitz. Tomlin confirmed this after the game, saying, "We had to create pressure really in a non-blitz structure. We know that about him."

Among quarterbacks that started at least eight games last season, Cousins had a 114.9 passer rating against the blitz, which was third-best in the NFL. Over the past six seasons, Cousins has averaged 2.85 seconds from the snap to the time he throws, so there might initially be temptation to put more pressure on him and get sacks.

But when you have a player such as Watt at your disposal, why bother? Especially, if Tomlin rightfully coached off a data that the best way to beat Cousins is to try and get to him with four guys.

And, Watt beat no scrub at right tackle throughout the day. For those who hail Pro Football Focus' almighty grading system, Kaleb McGary ranked 20th among 81 tackles last season. But, those who watch the game don't need PFF to know McGary's a solid tackle. He is known more for his run blocking than his pass protection, but he's still no slouch there. Yet, Watt consistently got past him throughout the day.

If the players don't execute the game plan, Cousins could have picked the Steelers' defense apart. It's a lot to ask when a game plan is centered on four guys beating a group of five guys that rank among the league's best. Atlanta has a good amount going for them right now, perhaps their offensive line being their biggest strength.

But Tomlin knows what he has up front. Not only some really solid players in Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith, but also the best defensive player on the planet. And the group up front answered the call.

"I’m appreciative of that," Tomlin said. "But, to be quite honest with you, we’ve got high standards and expectations for this group. We’ve got some first-team All-Pros in that unit. I expect them to play like that and they did. Big-time players step up in those big-time moments. I can’t say enough about 90 and Co."

In the end, Watt did get his first notch in the sack column, doing it in walk-off fashion, which tied a perfect bow on the dominant second half by the defense:

Don't ever under-appreciate this guy, folks. He's an all-timer. Enjoy every second of watching him.