The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ playoff push heats up, fueled by T.J. Watt’s dominance – 10 sacks and counting! Watt’s focus, team glory over individual accolades, ahead of crucial Browns clash.

T.J. Watt may be a fierce competitor on the field, but when it comes to Myles Garrett, he isn’t shy about giving credit where it’s due. Amid an online back-and-forth that has fans buzzing, Watt called Garrett “a top pass rusher in the league for a long time.” While the rivalry between the Steelers and Browns is heating up ahead of their crucial clash, Watt kept his focus clear, emphasizing the team over individual battles.

“It’s our team versus their team at the end of the day,” Watt said. “I just want the Pittsburgh Steelers to come out with the win.” Despite the online drama, Watt’s praise reflects mutual respect between two of the NFL’s elite defenders. As the Steelers prepare to face a Browns squad led by Garrett’s relentless pressure, this showdown promises to be a highlight of the week.

Back in 2023, amidst the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) buzz, Garrett openly admitted studying Watt’s game to improve his own craft. “He’s one of the five defenders I looked at this offseason,” Garrett revealed during Browns training camp, acknowledging Watt’s dominance on the field.

Watt, never one to seek validation, took the compliment in stride, responding with a sly, “I’ll take a compliment, I guess,” during his own camp interview with NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. But he didn’t stop there—Watt also shared that he, too, watches Garrett’s film for inspiration. “We watch each other’s film all the time,” Watt noted. “Myles is one of those guys you have to study because he consistently makes plays against the same opponents we face.”

While Garrett edged out Watt for the DPOY award that season, the mutual respect between the two is undeniable. With two matchups looming in Weeks 12 and 14, fans can’t wait to see how these elite pass rushers push each other to new heights on the field. Respect or rivalry? Maybe it’s a bit of both.

T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett: A heated rivalry spills online

The 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) race lit a spark in one of football’s fiercest rivalries: T.J. Watt vs. Myles Garrett. Garrett took home the trophy, but not without controversy. Watt, who dominated the stat sheet with 19 sacks—five more than Garrett—felt snubbed and made his feelings known on X. “Nothing I’m not used to,” Watt posted during the NFL Honors ceremony, hinting at frustration while skipping the event entirely.

Garrett, however, wasn’t about to let the shade slide. When asked about Watt’s reaction, he quipped, “I’ve never complained about the trophy not being in my house. He shouldn’t feel two ways about it going to me.” Garrett didn’t shy away from addressing the rivalry, emphasizing that they don’t play directly against each other: “It’s up for grabs this year, and we’ll see the best man win.”

While Watt undeniably had the edge statistically—leading in tackles, QB hits, and even interceptions—Garrett’s ability to battle through double and triple teams earned him the nod. As their Week 12 matchup looms, fans eagerly await another chapter in this fiery feud, with both stars hungry to prove who truly reigns supreme.