The Pittsburgh Steelers only had two players land on NFL Network's Top 100 list, but the organization got some more credit when four guys were voted onto ESPN's annual rankings. The consistent piece on both lists was reigning Defensive Player of the Year and Steelers star edge rusher, T.J. Watt. The former first-round pick was ranked 6th and only had one defensive player ahead of him, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle, Aaron Donald. ESPN released a follow-up article Tuesday morning after asking NFL executives controversial questions regarding the rankings and one that came up: Who is the better pass rusher: Watt or Cleveland Browns edge rusher, Myles Garrett?
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt (90) during an NFL football practice, Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) ASSOCIATED PRESS
For Steelers fans, this seems like a silly question given the fact that Watt had a dominant, award-winning season a year ago sacking the quarterback 22.5 times. The mark was good enough to tie Michael Strahan's single-season sack record and he only participated in 15 games. On top of that, since Watt and Garrett were drafted in 2017, the former Wisconsin Badger has 72 sacks compared to Garrett's 58.5
NFL executives barely acknowledged Watt's abilities and elite play, but rather, focused on Garrett and his ability to have a breakout season, and a better one than Watt in 2022. Here is what the article read:
"He's really close to having that signature year," an AFC exec said. "And his defense around him will be the best he's had there. Early in his career, he would disappear a bit against good tackles, but he's figured a lot of that out."
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 31: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns rushes against Dan Moore Jr. #65 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The same exec continued by saying that Garrett is more similar to Donald in the fact the demands more attention from opposing offenses.
The following front office member who was asked brought up the Hall of Fame candidacy for Garrett, but it appears that he left out anything about Watt who is well on his way to Canton one day if he continues on this pace.
"I was having this conversation with someone the other day. Is Myles Garrett a Hall of Famer? He's on that track. He's been more productive than I thought after I looked at the numbers."
The final exec finally gave the Steelers defensive leader some credit, but it was short and sweet.
"Every year he finds a way to improve," an AFC scout said. "Just a complete player, and somehow probably still underrated."
T.J. Watt before a regular season game in 2021. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Bias aside, Garrett is certainly a large force and a very good pass rusher. But, it is hard to believe that anyone could see him as better at his job than Watt heading into 2022. The NFL executives know more than any of us do and maybe this isn't a bad thing overall. It's simply a couple quotes and will add fuel to the fire for Watt to have another dominant season and continue on his Hall of Fame path in 2022.
Do you think the Steelers have the better pass rusher in Watt? Or does Garrett take home that honor? Let us know in the comments below!
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