Watt’s fiery response underscores the heated debate over the Steelers’ Super Bowl chances and Orlovsky’s questionable analysis of Russell Wilson’s role.

JJ Watt Takes Aim at ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky

The sports world erupted when J.J. Watt fired back at ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky over his controversial take on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl chances, specifically concerning quarterback Russell Wilson. Orlovsky, during a segment on First Take, questioned whether the Steelers could be a legitimate Super Bowl contender, citing their reliance on field goals as a potential downfall in playoff matchups against heavyweights like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes.

Orlovsky’s criticism centers around the idea that kicking field goals wouldn’t be enough to overcome these formidable quarterbacks in the playoffs. But J.J. Watt’s response was sharp, pointing out a glaring flaw in Orlovsky’s argument. “Take the teams, names, etc. out of it… ‘You’re not gonna beat Team A by kicking only field goals’ is a WILD take to make 4 days after LITERALLY beating Team A with only field goals,” Watt wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Watt’s fiery response clearly mocked Orlovsky’s take, reminding him that the Steelers had recently won a game by doing just that.

Orlovsky’s Bold Claim About the Steelers’ Playoff Hopes

Orlovsky’s perspective isn’t entirely without merit. He emphasized that the Steelers, while a solid team, may struggle to compete with the elite quarterbacks in the AFC unless they can consistently score more than field goals. His comment about the Steelers not being able to beat teams like the Ravens, Chiefs, or Bills in the playoffs by relying solely on field goals rings true in the context of high-stakes, high-scoring postseason games.

However, Watt’s critique highlights a fundamental flaw in the logic, as the Steelers had recently won a game by relying on field goals—an undeniable counterpoint to Orlovsky’s statement.

Russell Wilson’s Super Bowl Dreams with the Steelers

At the center of this debate is Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, who has been tasked with leading the team to its next Super Bowl victory. With a 4-0 record thus far with the Steelers, Wilson is proving that age is just a number when it comes to championship aspirations. At 35, Wilson has the experience and the pedigree to take the Steelers back to the Super Bowl, despite the skepticism surrounding his ability to perform at the highest level after several years of declining performance with the Denver Broncos.

Wilson has thrown for 942 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions through his first four games with Pittsburgh. His ability to manage the game and maintain a steady presence in the pocket fits perfectly with the vision that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has for his offense. Tomlin has praised Wilson’s ability to handle big moments, citing his experience as a key asset to the Steelers’ playoff push.

Tomlin on Wilson’s Leadership and Potential

Mike Tomlin has repeatedly emphasized that Wilson’s experience is a significant advantage for the Steelers, especially when the team is facing high-pressure situations. “I think he’s still writing that story,” Tomlin said. “To be quite honest with you, there were myriad reasons why I had the posture that I had. His resume being a component of it, (and) his experience. And I thought his experience could be an asset to our unit and our team. And that’s played out. His talents. His appetite for big moments, and I think that’s played out some.”

Wilson’s journey with the Steelers is still unfolding, and the question remains whether he can lead the team deep into the playoffs and beyond. However, with his solid start and Tomlin’s belief in his leadership, there is a growing sense that Wilson could yet be the missing piece the Steelers need to return to glory.

The Bottom Line: Watt vs. Orlovsky

While J.J. Watt’s response to Dan Orlovsky’s take on the Steelers’ playoff chances may have been fueled by a bit of brotherly pride, it also sheds light on the ongoing debate about the Steelers’ real potential. Orlovsky’s argument about the need for more than just field goals to beat top AFC teams is valid to an extent, but Watt’s sharp critique and the Steelers’ recent win—despite their reliance on field goals—suggest that the team might just have more than Orlovsky gives them credit for.

In the end, it’s clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Russell Wilson at the helm, are a team to watch in the upcoming months, as they look to prove doubters wrong and make a serious push for the Super Bowl.