With the Pittsburgh Steelers preparing for the Cleveland Browns on a short week, settle shots are being made between the teams' star pass rushers. Myles Garrett was asked about TJ Watt's negative response of him losing the AP Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2023 to the Browns defensive lineman. Garrett took the opportunity to take a shot saying he never complained about not winning the award in years past. It didn't take long before Watt came back with a rebuttal.
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Steelers' TJ Watt meets with Browns' Myles Garrett after a game.
Watt, who is one of the odds on favorites to win the AP Defensive Player of the Year Award this season, talked with media about their upcoming Thursday Night Football matchup with the Browns and made sure to let everyone know that he isn't paying attention to Garrett's comments.
"Obviously, a guy who's been a top pass rusher in the league for a long time, but I don't compete directly against him, it's our team versus their team," said Watt. "At the end of the day, I just want the Pittsburgh Steelers to come out with the win."
Watt didn't take the bait that was left by Garrett. With the Steelers currently in control of the AFC North and now fighting for the chance of the number one seed in the AFC, he is looking at the big picture. Watt is solely focused on doing his part to ensure a Pittsburgh victory as they continue to add to their current win streak of five.
While many Steelers fans still are not over the snub of the AP Defensive Player of the Year Award, Watt has been using it as fuel to elevate his game. The star pass rusher has 7.5 sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, three pass break ups, and adding four forced fumbles with two recoveries thus far this season.
Gene J. Puskar / AP
Steelers' TJ Watt pumping up the defense in pregame.
Both pass rushers' mindsets seem to be geared differently heading into Thursday night. Garrett obviously is still upset with how Watt reacted during the award ceremony, but Watt has moved on, ready to help the Steelers compete for a Super Bowl and that journey continues through Cleveland. These comments by Garrett however, could be an example of poking the bear, as Watt will have an extra edge to his game.
Watt will want to continue his stellar play, which helped the Steelers' defense slow down one of the top offenses in the league in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. They held Derrick Henry to just 65 yards on the ground which is 40 less yards than his per game average. With multiple injuries and the Browns trading away their number one receiver Amari Cooper, Watt and the defense are looking to continue their reign of terror once again in prime time.
Watt, who has been in the league for eight years now, has had his taste of individual awards. One stat that has been hanging around him for years now is that he hasn't won a playoff game in the NFL. He is looking to change that narrative and not only get his first playoff win, but help the Steelers to their seventh Lombardi Trophy.
Steelers' Watt Ignores Garrett And Sees The Bigger Picture
Watt would rather win a Super Bowl than worry about collecting Defensive Player of the Year Awards. He still hasn't felt what it is like winning a playoff game and would like to change that this season. While at the time, Watt felt that he was snubbed from the award last season, leading in almost every major statistical category for pass rushers -- he could care less what Garrett has to say about him.
Steelers.com
Steelers' TJ Watt celebrates big play against the Falcons in Week 1.
The Steelers are focusing on not just winning the AFC North, but getting the first round bye in the playoffs as they are just one game back on the Kansas City Chiefs. Watt's only concern is winning games and that's what he will continue to do while making big impact plays.
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