J.J. Watt Breaks Down Why Defense Will Decide NFL Championship Sunday
As the road to the Super Bowl reaches its penultimate stop, the conversation surrounding the league’s remaining teams has shifted. While high-octane offenses usually dominate the headlines, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt believes the script has flipped. Joining The Pat McAfee Show this week, Watt highlighted how elite defensive units have become the defining factor for the four teams remaining on NFL Championship Sunday.
Defensive Dominance Takes Center Stage
During his regular appearance with Pat McAfee, J.J. Watt didn't mince words about the current state of the game. According to the future Hall of Famer, the defenses representing the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks have "shined" throughout the postseason, proving that the ability to get stops is still the most valuable currency in January. Watt noted that while the league has trended toward offensive fireworks, the teams left standing are those that can effectively neutralize "game-wreckers" and dictate the tempo from the defensive side of the ball.
Watt’s analysis comes at a time when all four remaining teams have leaned heavily on their defensive identities to navigate the divisional round. For Watt, seeing these units excel isn't just a trend; it's a reminder of the foundational elements required to win at the highest level of professional football. He emphasized that the "state of defense" heading into NFL Championship Sunday is as healthy as it has been in years, with coordinators finding new ways to combat modern spread offenses.
The AFC Battle: Tactical Brilliance vs. Pure Pressure
In the AFC, the matchup between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos offers a fascinating contrast in defensive philosophy. Watt discussed how the Patriots have utilized their trademark tactical versatility to shut down high-powered opponents, while the Broncos have relied on a relentless pass rush to create turnovers. The ability of these two units to adjust mid-game will likely determine which AFC representative heads to the Super Bowl.
Key defensive elements to watch in the AFC Championship include:
- New England’s Secondary: Their ability to disguise coverages and bait veteran quarterbacks into mistakes.
- Denver’s Front Seven: The sheer physicality and speed of their edge rushers, which Watt identified as a primary concern for any offensive line.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Both teams have excelled at forcing field goals instead of touchdowns, a stat Watt believes will be the ultimate tiebreaker.
The NFC Battle: Star Power and Physicality
Over in the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks are set to renew their rivalry with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. Watt pointed out that both teams possess unique defensive traits that have carried them this far. The Rams feature a star-studded lineup capable of making individual plays that change the course of a game, while the Seahawks have returned to a hard-hitting, physical style of play that wears down opponents over four quarters.
Watt specifically noted that the "defensive players to watch" in this matchup are those who can win their individual battles in the trenches. On NFL Championship Sunday, the margin for error is razor-thin, and Watt expects the NFC matchup to be a low-scoring, defensive struggle where a single forced fumble or interception could be the difference-maker.
Watt’s "Game-Wreckers" to Watch
When asked by Pat McAfee about the specific individuals who will decide these games, Watt focused on the concept of the "game-wrecker." These are the players who require double teams and constant attention from offensive coordinators. Watt’s insights suggest that the team that best manages the opponent’s primary defensive threat will have the clearest path to victory.
The state of the NFL defense has evolved, but as Watt pointed out, the fundamentals of tackling, pressure, and situational awareness remain unchanged. As fans prepare for NFL Championship Sunday, the spotlight will be firmly on the coordinators and athletes who have made defense the story of the 2025-26 postseason.
Conclusion: A Defensive Renaissance
J.J. Watt’s analysis serves as a final preview for what promises to be one of the most competitive weekends in recent NFL history. By focusing on the "shining" performances of the Patriots, Broncos, Rams, and Seahawks, Watt has reminded the football world that while points put fans in seats, it is the defensive stands that put trophies in cases. Whether it is a goal-line stand in Denver or a late-game interception in Seattle, expect the defenses to have the final word this Sunday.
