I occasionally go on Twitter/X and remind the citizens that T.J. Watt has never won a playoff game.
That doesn’t mean he’s not one of the best defensive players of his generation. I just like watching the carp thrash after the bread.
But Watt never winning a playoff game isn’t insignificant, either.
He’s 0-3 in the playoffs, with the Steelers’ “elite” defense conceding an average of 45 points in those three games.
Watt isn’t responsible for that. But he’s out there, too.
His stats in those three postseason games are pedestrian: One sack and three tackles for loss. Watt did return a fumble for a touchdown in the Steelers’ 42-21 wild-card round loss to Kansas City in 2022. If only Watt could have done that three or four more times.
If Watt never wins a playoff game, let alone a Super Bowl, will it diminish his career?
Of course, it will.
It doesn’t mean Watt stinks. It doesn’t negate his statistics or individual honors.
But what’s more important: Stats and awards, or how much a player impacts winning?
Since Watt joined the Steelers, they’re 1-11 in the regular season when he doesn’t play. His value is undeniable.
But what the Steelers (and their defense) have done in Watt’s three playoff games is also undeniable.
Playoffs are the proving ground. It’s a different discussion.
Dan Marino is the best quarterback I ever saw. Marino executed the position better than Tom Brady in almost every way possible. Marino had much more ability. Better arm.
But Marino never won a Super Bowl, so nobody will even consider that argument.
Why does that apply to Marino and not to Watt?
The easy solution: Watt wins a playoff game. Better yet, a Super Bowl. Heck, I’d settle for him knocking Aaron Rodgers into a darkness retreat Sunday night.