Steelers Star TJ Watt Called Out For Being "Non-existent" In Big Loss

Pittsburgh Steelers star edge rusher, TJ Watt was hoping for a much better outing against the Cleveland Browns than he gave in Week 12. The Steelers lost the game 24-19, and it was a disappointing showing for most of the game. Despite a late rally that gave them a 19-18 lead, Pittsburgh couldn’t stop Cleveland when it mattered most, allowing the Browns to drive down the field for the game-winning score. The loss added to the frustration of a performance that lacked consistency from the Steelers' defense, including Watt.

Throughout the game, Browns star defensive player Myles Garrett was dominating. Garrett finished with three sacks and a forced fumble, consistently disrupting Russell Wilson and putting pressure on the Steelers’ offense. It was clear that Garrett was one of the primary reasons for Cleveland's success. Meanwhile, Watt, despite being one of the NFL's top pass rushers, struggled to make those splash plays that typically define his impact.

As the game unfolded, former Steelers Super Bowl champion Trai Essex took to social media to share his thoughts on Watt's performance. 

"TJ has been above reproach for so long…….not today," Essex wrote. "Dude has been non existent. His individual nemesis has made an impact and 90 hasn’t. Simply put."

Essex, known for his candid opinions, questioned whether Watt’s lack of impact in such a crucial game was a sign of something bigger. His comments sparked debate among Steelers fans. 

One fan responded to Essex saying that it was one game and that he was overreacting. Essex added clarity to his comments about Watt.

"Not calling for his job my man," Essex said. "Calling a bad game when we see it."

The first thing to note is that the impact Watt has had on the Steelers—and continues to have—extends beyond what shows up in the box score. Even when he doesn’t register big stats, his presence on the field is often felt. 

Essex, a seasoned football mind, understands that great players can still influence the game even when they aren't getting the obvious numbers. In this case, Essex was looking beyond the typical statistics used to measure production.

While Watt faced constant double-teams and chips throughout the game, there were moments when he wasn’t being pressured as heavily, yet he still failed to make the key plays that Essex felt were necessary. Great players, especially someone like Watt, are held to the highest standard—making an impact no matter the circumstances. It was a disappointing showing from Watt, but not just him. The entire defense struggled in several areas, and as a unit, they failed to rise to the occasion.

Overall, the team didn’t appear prepared for a Browns squad that, while dangerous, has had its struggles this season. From a defensive standpoint, the Steelers seemed unready to deal with Cleveland’s offensive schemes, leaving them exposed when it mattered most. The lack of preparation was glaring, and it cost the Steelers dearly in this crucial matchup.

Steelers' TJ Watt Gets Strange Hate From Browns' Myles Garrett

Essex knows football well enough to recognize when Watt deserves criticism, and in this case, he felt Watt needed to make a bigger impact. Watt himself would likely be the first to agree. The game was further fueled by some interesting comments from Garrett about Watt, and after the game, Garrett continued to take shots at the Steelers' star.

The rivalry between these two pass rushers is sure to intensify, and for now, Garrett holds the upper hand. However, Watt is known for bouncing back and will undoubtedly have a major game soon. No player, no matter how great, is beyond scrutiny—especially when you suffer a loss to a team like the Browns.

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