https://triblive.com/sports/armed-with-9-75-million-contract-derek-watt-remains-bit-part-in-steelers-offense/
Armed with $9.75 million contract, Derek Watt remains bit part in Steelers offense
The Pittsburgh Steelers in March made Derek Watt the NFL’s third-highest-paid fullback by average annual salary. So far in his first season with the team, they aren’t using him like a $9.75 million man.
Watt has played just 48 offensive snaps this season, including only 24 over the past four games since returning from a hamstring injury. Watt was limited to a season-low three offensive snaps during the Steelers’ 23-17 loss to Washington on Monday.
Coach Mike Tomlin brushes off Watt’s usage — or lack thereof — as a product of a weekly gameplan and/or game circumstances.
“It depends on the matchup of the week as it relates to the people that you are preparing for,” Tomlin said Tuesday, “so we’ll make those considerations this week as we prepare for Buffalo. What we did last week compared to that matchup and preparation has no bearing on what it is that we do this week.”
If the Steelers feel they can’t run, they had better figure out how to, writes @MarkMaddenXhttps://t.co/e4QaFbDvyI— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) December 9, 2020
Signed primarily for special-teams prowess, Watt was never expected to be a major part of the offense; few fullbacks in the modern NFL are. But after averaging about eight carries/targeted passes per season over four years with the Chargers, Watt has yet to have a carry or be the target of a pass in 2020.
More curious is the Steelers’ running game is struggling, falling to 29th in the NFL after managing just 21 yards during Monday’s game. A common refrain among fans is the utilization of a fullback could be an option to help in that area.
According to Pro Football Focus, Watt has lined up at fullback 25 times this season, and he has lined up at tight end 23 times.
“I think Derek does a good job of being that fullback, but if push came to shove, I really think we could put him at the tight end position,” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said.
“We could put him at the halfback position. I feel confident that he could be in the game at the tailback position in blitz pick-up. I feel like we could get him out in routes if we had to. He’s kind of that Swiss Army knife that can do a little bit of everything and do it all pretty well. He’s become a great asset to this team, both on special teams and on offense.”
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