Steel City Underground presents “Plays of the Year” featuring the top runs, catches, hits, and everything else in between from Pittsburgh Steelers fixtures in the 2024 season.

In Week 6, the Pittsburgh Steelers entered Allegiant Stadium with many questions surround their team. Pittsburgh began the season with a 3-0 record. However, following back-to-back losses that saw them fall to 3-2, many sportsbooks had them as no more than a three-point favorite against the Las Vegas Raiders.

It didn’t help matters that the Steelers defense got off to a slow start, with the the Raiders effectively combining runs with passes targeting their tight ends during their opening offensive series, marching 70 yards in 10 plays for a touchdown and a 7-3 advantage. The Steelers offense was also lackluster, with only two field goals in their first four possessions.

Needing a win in Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season, Pittsburgh quickly made the necessary adjustments to stall Las Vegas’s offense, largely due to team captain T.J. Watt.

During the Raiders’ fourth series, on 2nd & 7 at their own 30-yard line, Watt delivered his first punch-out of the game. As Aidan O’Connell handed the ball off to Dylan Laube for a run, Watt perfectly timed his strike and forced a fumble. Keeanu Benton recovered the ball, and the Steelers’ offense converted the turnover into 7 points, taking a 12-7 lead before halftime.

In the second half, during Las Vegas’s third offensive series, the Raiders drove 6 plays to reach 2nd & Goal at the Pittsburgh 6-yard line. O’Connell threw a touchdown pass to Alexander Mattison, but the play was nullified due to an ineligible player downfield. On the subsequent replay of 2nd down from the 11-yard line, the Raiders gained yardage to set up 3rd & Goal at the Pittsburgh 1. The handoff went to Ameer Abdullah, but Watt once again forced a turnover. Using his arm, Watt punched the ball loose, and DeShon Elliott scooped it up before being tackled at the 11-yard line.

There’s no doubt that T.J. Watt is both a taker and a giver #SteelersNation Watt taketh away, and then gives the ball to the #Steelers offense. Great set of plays against the Raiders pic.twitter.com/uxbuGq1Btq

— Christina Rivers (@3Rivers_Writer) October 14, 2024

Although the Steelers couldn’t convert that particular turnover into points, Watt’s efforts were crucial in preventing the Raiders from scoring themselves.

With two tackles for a loss (TFLs) and two forced fumbles (FFs), Watt achieved a feat not seen by a Steelers player since James Harrison in Week 13 of the 2008 season against the New England Patriots. This was Watt’s fifth career game with at least two forced fumbles (according to Michael Bertsch of Steelers.com) and his 33rd with at least two tackles for loss.

The Steelers would improve to 4-2 on the season with a decisive 32-13 victory.