Projecting stats for JJ Watt in 2021

JJ Watt has had a history of putting up great numbers when he’s been healthy. The multiple defensive player of the year award winner has done that with being the main star on the defensive line, and also with a star player as well (Jadaveon Clowney).

During his healthy years, Watt averaged 15 sacks per year, and has only had 3 total years with single digit sacks- with one of those being his rookie year.  Watt’s totals will vary greatly depending upon what the other teams in the division do. Trent Williams is a free agent in San Francisco, Andrew Whitworth is getting older each year in LA, and Duane Brown is still okay for Seattle.

Given the fact that the Arizona Cardinals finished 10th in the league in sacks last year while missing Chandler Jones provides a high floor for Watt to get home. Jordan Phillips and Angelo Blackson will also be stout contributors as well.  In addition to these men returning, if the offense can continue the rate of which they were firing at for the first 9 games of the season, then this should make teams have to throw the ball more in order to keep pace or attempt a comeback.

So when it comes to JJ Watt and his stats for this upcoming season, I can see him getting:

• 40-50 tackles
• 13 Sacks
• 18 Tackles for loss
• 7 passes defensed/ swatted away
• 2 forced fumbles
• 1 fumble recovery
• 20 quarterback hurries

I think this is a good prediction because of a healthy Jones on the opposite side of the line. Plus, another aspect to think about is how creative Vance Joseph got with the calls last year. Joseph created pressure from different spots on the field, and pro-bowl safety Budda Baker was so close to getting pressure countless time.

If Watt is an every-down player, then expect these numbers to go up. That’s highly unlikely given his injury history, but you can expect his motor to be absolutely high as many are doubting him simply just because he chose Arizona over other cities.