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Patrick Queen baffled by criticism of T.J. Watt

J. Watt silenced skeptics in the opening week of the 2026 campaign, delivering a game-winning performance against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium.

Following an injury-plagued 2025 season that sparked chatter about his potential decline, the 31-year-old edge rusher powered Pittsburgh to a 20-13 victory. His dominant day included four total tackles, two sacks, and a late interception returned for a touchdown off Atlanta signal-caller Cooper Rush to secure the result.

The decisive defensive score also etched Watt's name into league record books, tying him with Julius Peppers in an exclusive statistical category. The standout showing provided an immediate rebuke to outside doubters, a topic that teammate Patrick Queen addressed when expressing bewilderment over any lingering critique aimed at the former first-round selection.