How serious do NFL players take the preseason? A TJ Watt discussion

I've never been shy about voicing my opinion on TJ Watt from his first preseason game where he destroyed the Giants on their opening drive, to his hold in, and his eventual DPOY award. He is a player I'd build my team around. All that being said, the recent attempt at a chop block by Hockinson during the Detroit game and potential serious injury to Watt have brought into focus the question of how serious players take preseason games.

If you haven't already heard about the Ravens current 23 games preseason win streak or heard and don't care because it's the Ravens, it does show how much importance some teams place on winning preseason games. From the ridiculous champion of the preseason Browns of a few years ago to Coach Tomlin not caring at all about the final score but rather getting a good look at guys to evaluate their progress. You may ask what does this have to do with Watt.

So I don't think anyone could make the claim that Watt doesn't treat preseason as he does the regular season and give the same effort no matter what. Preseason TJ is the same as regular season TJ, the effort and competitive nature are always there. I'd shout that at the rain if need be, but it's also not exactly true. Watt does know that the preseason isn't exactly games that matter and plays accordingly. How so you ask? During the 1st quarter of the Jacksonville game Trevor Lawrence breaks outside the tackle box and sprints for the 1st down marker and sideline going away from Watt's side of the formation. Lawrence has the angle so the 1st down is never in doubt, no one is stopping it. You can see in replay Watt is coming from his side of the field trailing the play and he does something smart and totally unexpected, at least by me. He slows up and concedes the play. He knew it was preseason, he knew Lawrence had the first down and the sideline and he knew there was no stopping it. I'd make the argument that if it was a regular season game he is running 150 percent, crashing into a brick wall and risking injury but since the game means nothing he makes the decision to not risk it.

So how serious are players taking preseason games and are more elite players aware about the meanings of these games and the importance of staying healthy in them like Watt did

https://youtube.com/shorts/3HQcmQQ0fwk?feature=share

I apologize for the music on the clip it's not mine.

 

Well new guys 2 the team...even veterans that are new 2 the team want 2 show what they are made of, and of course rookies are not worried about others health. They just want 2 make the team. That's why I don't like the veteran starter 2 play very long.....Yes they must play, but not 2 long. Great post by the way.

 

. I think watt was gassed at the end of the play. He waved off the field immediately.

But it is obvious the game is different for the stars in preseason. No use getting injured in a meaningless game.

 

For guys that know they’re on the team, it’s different than guys trying to make a roster.