The game of the millennium is upon us, or at least that’s how it seems. For the past month and then some, people on their couches and on the television alike have been salivating over the Week 15 match-up between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots. The two best records (and best teams) in the AFC playoff picture go head-to-head in a classic “Clash of the Titans” battle royale in a rematch of the 2016 AFC Championship game.

None of us need to be reminded any further of how the last game went, but this time around, the outcome can be much different. There are more than a few new faces on this Pittsburgh Steelers team, none of which the likes Tom Brady and the Patriots had to see in the AFC title game. Those names being Le’Veon Bell (who was injured very early in the last matchup and basically didn’t play at all), Martavis Bryant, JuJu Smith-Schuster (questionable), Joe Haden (game time decision), and Mike Hilton to name a majority of them. Cameron Heyward is no stranger to New England but landed on IR before either of the two encounters between the Steelers and Patriots last season.

However, there is one more face that New England has not had the pleasure to come in acquaintance with: T.J. Watt.

The 30th overall pick in the 2017 draft has been an impact player in his first season for the black and gold, much to the surprise of many. When drafted, the general opinion seemed to be that T.J. Watt would be able to help the Steelers defense, but in time. However, Watt has been affecting the outcome of games for Pittsburgh since week one when he accumulated two sacks and an interception in his regular season debut.

In a recent tweet from Dom Rinelli, he reveals that Watt is the only NFL player (not just rookie, player) this year to have at least:

• 40 tackles(40)
• 5 sacks(6.0)
• 5 passes defensed(6)
• 1 interception(1)
• 1 forced fumble(1)
• 1 field goal block (1)

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Not every game has seen Watt light up the stat sheet like week one, but as of late, the young linebacker seemingly gets better as each week passes. Last Sunday we all saw how big of an impact Watt can really have, specifically late in the game, on the last play of the game. T.J. Watt strip-sacked the Ravens quarterback, Joe Flacco, and sealed the deal for Pittsburgh to close out a win.

No one was questioning the young Watt’s motor before that game, and they certainly won’t be anytime soon.

Which brings us to Week 15 and the Patriots: what comes to mind when you hear “Patriots”? Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are the obvious faces of the franchise, but it’s Rob Gronkowski who keeps me up at night. “Gronk” is arguably the best tight end of all time (not my opinion but arguably), and he always has his best games against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In five games played versus Pittsburgh, Gronkowski has scored 8 touchdowns.

Covering the Patriots giant playmaker is a large order in itself, but the Steelers, in particular, are never able to figure it out.

Prior to his tragic injury, linebacker Ryan Shazier was thought of to be the man to try his efforts at hanging with Gronk. Shazier is known for his athleticism and speed. Now the question hangs over the city like a dark cloud: “How will they stop Gronkowski?” An idea has been floated around in some social circles here at SCU that has really caught my attention. I say, see what T.J. Watt can do about the Gronkowski problem.

Watt is an absolute freak athlete, as most of us saw at the 2017 NFL scouting combine. During the “most important job interview of his life” Watt placed:

• 60 yard shuttle: 99th percentile
• 20 yard shuttle: 94th percentile
• 3-cone drill: 98th percentile
• Broad jump: 96th percentile
• Vertical jump: 88th percentile
• 40-yard dash: 83rd percentile
• Hand size: 96th percentile

In other words, he’s gifted.

And he has been borderline phenomenal in pass coverage this season. Even though he has six sacks, I would still like to see T.J. rush the quarterback more, but how can I complain when he’s so good in coverage?

I can’t.

Watt has as good of a chance as anyone on the Steelers roster at stopping Gronk. In fact, he may very well be the best option they have. I think defensive coordinator, Keith Butler, can handle balancing the usage of Watt, both in coverage and rushing the passer. It’s still important to use their first round pick for what he was drafted for, rushing the passer.

It should be a great game on Sunday, and T.J. Watt is going to be a name you hear a whole lot.