The Pittsburgh Steelers showcased their formidable defense in a hard-fought victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 9. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith played a crucial role in the Steelers' 20-16 win, combining for three sacks on rookie quarterback Will Levis and tallying seven quarterback hits throughout the game.

Levis, who made his second NFL start against the Steelers, displayed resilience and determination despite facing constant pressure from Pittsburgh's defense. In his debut game against the Atlanta Falcons, he impressed with a completion rate of 65.5%, throwing for 238 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Although he faced a tougher challenge against the Steelers, completing 56.4% of his passes for 262 yards, zero touchdowns, and his first career interception, Levis still showed glimpses of his potential as a franchise quarterback.

After the game, Watt was asked about his impressions of the young quarterback. The Steelers' defensive standout praised Levis, noting his toughness and ability to stand tall in the face of pressure. Watt acknowledged that Levis held onto the ball for a little too long but highlighted his agility and knack for extending plays with his feet. Overall, Watt expressed his belief that Levis has a promising career ahead of him.

Levis faced a barrage of hits from the Steelers' defense throughout the game, but he refused to be discouraged. He led the Titans on several impressive drives, including a 14-play, 72-yard opening drive that resulted in a field goal, an 11-play, 73-yard drive in the second quarter capped off by a Derrick Henry touchdown, and a remarkable 57-yard drive just before halftime that added three more points to the Titans' tally. Notably, the Titans were forced to punt only once in the first half.

In a thrilling finale, Levis orchestrated a 66-yard drive that took the Titans deep into the red zone with 1:44 left on the clock. However, his aspirations for a comeback were dashed as he threw an interception to Kwon Alexander in the end zone.

Despite the loss, Levis showcased his ability to make impressive throws down the field and deliver under challenging circumstances. While his opportunity to start came due to Ryan Tannehill's ankle injury, Levis has proven himself as a potential future leader for the Titans. It remains to be seen whether head coach Mike Vrabel will stick with Levis or opt to reinstate Tannehill as the starting quarterback when the Titans face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10, depending on Tannehill's recovery progress.

In conclusion, T.J. Watt's praise for Will Levis after their Week 9 matchup highlights the rookie quarterback's toughness and potential to thrive in the NFL. Despite facing relentless pressure from the Steelers' defense, Levis showed resilience and made several impressive plays. As the Titans navigate their quarterback situation, it is clear that Levis has made a strong case for himself as the team's future.