It’s been a long time since JJ Watt experienced an NFL Sunday as a rookie. Watt’s first game for the Texans came on September 11, 2011 against Indianapolis. He hit the quarterback once and recovered a fumble in the 34-7 win in Houston. Fast forward almost 12 years to the day, Watt dressed in a much more fashionable uniform, made his debut on CBS’ NFL pregame show, The NFL Today. It went even better than his NFL debut.
Watt looked like a natural right away. Fellow panelist, Nate Burleson, knocked on Watt’s dressing room door and the two made the walk to the set. Watt recalled similar ‘walks’ to the field and said, hearing the CBS theme music he was “amped” to get going. Burleson issued a friendly caution for the retired defensive lineman.
“Now listen, now I know you’re not playing anymore, right? But here’s the thing. You kind of got to be on defense because Phil and Boom, they have been known to crack a few jokes at our expense.” Burleson told Watt.
Without missing a beat, Watt proclaimed, “But I’ve cracked a few quarterbacks’ ribs before. I’m not afraid to do it again.”
Whether it was scripted or not, it seemed very natural and displayed Watt’s personality right away. I’m sure there were concerns, because Watt, who was talkative on the field, never really showed what he had in the personality tank. For whatever reason, usually it’s not wanting to give the media anything to go on, it didn’t hurt him in his first appearance on CBS. That initial banter had to make Watt feel a little more at ease right off the bat.
The preparation for this new job started months ago, as Watt tries to understand how to get a point across. It’s different than a press conference situation after a game for sure.
“Yeah, I think that is probably the biggest change from what I had been doing.” Watt told KHOU-11 in an exclusive interview 48 hours before his debut. “The new style is going to be getting it in and shutting up. You just have to learn to hit the most poignant thing(s). I’m doing my homework you just try and be as prepared as you can be, but then when it comes down to it, you just have to be yourself.”
Having a self-deprecating personality certainly helps as the new guy on the block.
The NFL Today used Watt to talk about his strength: defense. In his first bit of analysis, he and Bill Cowher were talking about the New Orleans Saints and the consistency of Cameron Jordan. Cowher pointed to the graphic which showed Jordan has 11 consecutive seasons of 7.5 sacks, which is the longest active streak. Watt was asked how impressive a feat it was.
“It’s very impressive. Cam Jordan has been a staple of consistency down there in New Orleans and he’s gonna finish his career in New Orleans with that new contract which is great.” Watt said.
Then Watt transitioned as DeAndre Hopkins video began to play in the monitor.
“Here’s a new face in a new place, one of my former teammates, D-Hop.” Watt said with a smile. “He is up there in Tennessee. He is the fourth leading receiver in yards per game in NFL history and now he’s in an offense with Derrick Henry which makes that play action extremely potent.”
Great information, but it wasn’t as smooth as his earlier appearance on the show. Every once in a while, during his commentary about Hopkins, he could be seen looking off screen, likely at a teleprompter for the information. It’s not really a criticism, because there’s a lot of points to be made, and as a rookie, better to get it right and be caught looking off camera than to get it wrong. It’s really a lot to ask of anyone, especially someone who has done as little television as Watt to pick all of that up right away.
Watt seemed really in his element when the discussion turned to Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ use of the quarterback sneak. Defenses couldn’t stop it, including Watt. He disputed the fact that these plays are really “sneaks” and it made for some interesting discussion.
“Those are the most impossible play to stop as a defense. They’re 36 for 39.” Watt said making his point. “Wouldn’t you love to get every single third and one and fourth and one?”
Video of some sneaks, including one against Watt’s team was showing. “Those are the most impossible plays to stop as a defense,” Watt said.
“Look at how low everybody gets. Everybody’s basically offside.” Watt interjected. “They got pushers coming from behind. The offense knows the snap count. The defense doesn’t. That’s the only advantage. And that’s why the Eagles are so good at this,” he said.
Then Watt dropped an analogy for Cowher.
“Coach, I like to say playing defense against this is like trying to stop a plugged-up toilet with your bare hands. It doesn’t feel good. It stinks. And it’s probably not going to work.”
It seemed a bit contrived, but it landed. But Cowher wasn’t quick to agree with Watt’s assessment of the sneaks.
“I think it’s not a very good play. I think it’s a dangerous play, where you start putting two or three people pushing against someone.” Cowher said, setting up some great back and forth.
Watt: Coach Bill Cowher of the Pittsburgh Steelers. That’s old school football.
Cowher: That is not old school. Old school football is Tom Brady, who’s 47 years old. I’m OK with a quarterback sneak, but don’t put it in together because it’s called a scrum. That’s called rugby.
Watt: You just called Tom Brady old, first of all. So, you don’t like the scrum?
Cowher: No, I think football is strategy. It’s about match-ups. It’s about adjustments. It’s not about a bunch of guys coming together and pushing each other to see who can push someone. Someone’s going to get hurt doing it. That’s toughness against football.
Watt: When this turns to flag football NFL, you know who did it.
Cowher: You know what, JJ? You were too high on that play. Get lower, man!
It was a good segment to showcase what Watt can bring to the table. He’s obviously well versed on how that particular play affected defenses throughout the league and knew how to break down the tape.
What I also liked is that Watt didn’t back down when challenged by Cowher. Many times, the new guy will be quick to, pardon the pun, cower, when called out. Watt didn’t. It’s probably a natural instinct, to sort of keep the peace, but look, all the guys on that set respect each other’s football knowledge and opinions and that’s what matters.
All in all, I was impressed with how Watt did in his debut on CBS. I think the network made a very good hire in the popular former player. Watt showed his ability to analyze and break down tape, and make it easy for viewers to understand his message.
The banter, while at times felt a little contrived will only get better as he settles into his new role. I wouldn’t count on Watt being a newsmaker for a ‘hot’ take or controversial stance. But, will he be able to criticize former teammates and friends if needed during a broadcast? Watt showed that he’s not going to just be a ‘plain jane’ either, and it will take him a little time to create his own style.
Andy Masur is a columnist for BSM and works for WGN Radio as an anchor and play-by-play announcer. He also teaches broadcasting at the Illinois Media School. During his career he has called games for the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox. He can be found on Twitter @Andy_Masur1 or you can reach him by email at Andy@Andy-Masur.com.
