As the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their Thursday night showdown, the spotlight is on two of the NFL’s top defenders: Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt.
Both players have carved out dominant careers, becoming the faces of their respective franchises. Garrett, the Browns’ No. 1 overall pick in 2017, and Watt, the Steelers’ 30th overall pick the same year, have continuously battled for supremacy in the AFC North.
This matchup, however, carries added weight due to lingering tension over last year’s Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award.
In February, Garrett claimed the 2023 DPOY honors, edging out Watt despite Watt leading the league with 19 sacks. Garrett’s win was bolstered by advanced metrics, such as pass-rush win rate, which swayed the voters.
Following the announcement, Watt took to X, posting, “Nothing I’m not used to,” a subtle jab that hinted at his frustration with the voting process.
When asked about Watt’s reaction on Tuesday, Garrett didn’t hold back.
“I’ve never complained about the trophy not being at my house,” Garrett told reporters. “He shouldn’t be feeling two ways about [the DPOY award] going to me.”
Watt chose not to escalate the rivalry further. Responding to Garrett’s comments, he downplayed any direct competition between them.
“I don’t compete directly against him,” Watt said. “It’s our team versus their team, and at the end of the day I just want the Pittsburgh Steelers to come out with a win.”
This rivalry continues to fuel debates among fans, with Garrett and Watt consistently delivering elite performances.
So far this season, Garrett has tallied 7 sacks and two forced fumbles, while Watt has recorded 7.5 sacks and four forced fumbles (1st in the NFL).
With both players setting the tone for Thursday’s clash, the Garrett-Watt rivalry adds another layer to one of the NFL’s fiercest matchups.
