{
  "id": 7802980,
  "title": "Ben Roethlisberger shuts down absurd T.J. Watt criticism after Week 1",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/ben-roethlisberger-shuts-down-absurd-t-j-watt-criticism-after-week-1",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-16T14:26:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ben-roethlisberger-shuts-down-absurd-142640764.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pittsburgh Steelers star defensive end T.J. Watt completely dismantled critics who doubted his ability in a stunning Week 1 performance. Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told the media that the absurd notion of Watt being past his prime was \"completely absurd.\" Roethlisberger’s podcast, \"Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger,\" captured the moment when Watt executed a dazzling interception return for a touchdown. Roethlisberger exclaimed, \"You just can’t rule out a Watt. I don’t think you’re allowed to do that. There’s something in their genes.\" Watt's uncanny knack for turning defensive stops into game-breaking offensive plays was on full display, as he took a pass like a \"Belgian Malinois catching a tennis ball.\" Running back Santonio Holmes noted Watt's ability to shift instinctively from pass rusher to playmaker after an interception. This extraordinary performance silenced the endless media debates about Watt's position ranking against other Pro Bowlers. Watt doesn't just disrupt drives; he entirely changes the course of games.",
  "summary": "Former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger dismissed critics claiming star edge rusher T.J. Watt was declining.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}