Taylor Lewan: "I Would Rather Go Up Against TJ [Watt] Than Myles [Garrett]"

The reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year from the Pittsburgh Steelers, TJ Watt, appears to still have some doubters when it comes to him being the best. Taylor Lewan was in the Barstool Sports office today and unluckily fell victim to notable personality Barstool Big Cat’s trick. Lewan, who not only plays for the Tennessee Titans but also hosts a podcast for Barstool Sports called Bussin’ With The Boys, was asked, “Who do you think the best NFL player in the league is?” to which he replied, “Probably Myles Garrett, all-around.” What Lewan didn’t realize is he said this in front of Steelers superfan and friend of SteelerNation, Jersey Jerry. What ensued was a spirited discussion between the two where Jerry strongly disagreed, and that the answer should be the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

Taylor Lewan clarifies his answer

Lewan even goes on to elaborate he misunderstood the question and say Aaron Donald is the best defensive player, he was only considering edge players initially. So to clarify, he has Donald as the best defensive player and "from a fundamental standpoint" Garrett. If you are taking notes, that would put Watt at best #3 on Lewan's list.

Photo via Titan Sized

Jerry decided to defend his guy Watt and use stats to reason with Lewan. "Who has more tackles for loss?" Jerry asks but Lewan rebuttals that the stat is a flaw argument because it isn't fundamental football, but rather he "jumps in the C-gap...it is an inflated stat." At this point, you can tell Jerry is baffled and simply asks him who he would rather go up against.

"I'd rather go against TJ than Myles...from a pass standpoint."

The same Watt who has been the sack leader in the NFL the past two seasons. The whole interaction between the two is very entertaining and worth the five and a half minutes of time. Lewan does eventually go on to say Watt should've won the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2020 and he is in fact an "elite" player he would rather not go up against.

It has to be frustrating for Watt to be dismissed so easily by a peer of his in the NFL, especially one with such a big platform. While I am sure this will just fuel the fire to more awards and more sack titles, it should be looked at as an insult to not even be considered the best defender in your own division. Watt has finished 3rd, 2nd, and 1st in voting the past 3 years, all of which he had the stats and performances to win each year. Garrett is someone who hasn't even been in the discussion when everything is all said and done. For now, it is another chip on the shoulder and hopefully Watt can continue to prove everyone wrong.

Do you agree or disagree with Lewan? Click to comment below!

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