The rivalry between T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett persists even when the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns aren’t sharing the gridiron. Garrett had a historic performance before Watt went on the field for Sunday Night Football, and in doing so, gave everyone who backs him in the argument between the two future Hall of Famers more ammunition.
Garrett racked up five sacks, a career-high and a franchise record for Cleveland, in the Browns' 32-13 loss ot the New England Patriots. For what it’s worth to Steelers fans, Garrett became the first player to record five sacks while his team lost by more than three points.
Nonetheless, Garrett may have the last laugh over Steelers fans despite it all. That performance allowed Garrett to move ahead of Watt on the all-time sack leaderboard. Garrett now stands at 112.5 career sacks, a half sack more than Watt.
Of course, Watt could jump right back ahead of Garrett with one big play against Jordan Love and the Packers. Depending on when you’re reading this, he might have already done so. However, there’s a different concern that should be raised in the rivalry.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans can’t ignore Myles Garrett’s growing edge over T.J. Watt
Now that Garrett and Watt are virtually neck and neck on the sack leaderboard, it might only be a matter of time before Garrett begins to stretch a lead. Steelers fans don’t want to admit it - and neither do I - but one of the reasons I gave for Garrett’s consistent 1A to Watt’s 1B in public discussion is Garrett’s consistency.
Well, now Garrett has 10 sacks this season, putting him on pace for a career year. Watt, on the other hand, has only four.
Steelers fans have begun to notice a dip in production from Watt, especially this season. Watt, now 31, isn’t getting much help in the scheme, but the calendar isn’t doing him many favors either. Keep in mind, Garrett isn’t even 30 yet. His five-sack performance also boosted his 1st-place standing in the most sacks before 30 category. Watt had 101 before his 30th birthday, and 11 since.
That’s not to say Watt is plummeting in production and headed toward some unceremonious end. But compared to Garrett, the rivalry conversation might be taking a turn in a direction Pittsburgh doesn’t want to face.
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Garrett’s consistency in hitting high sack numbers is unquestioned in a manner that Watt can’t relate to. And for as long as that sustains, Garrett’s lead on the all-time sacks list will only continue to grow if Watt doesn’t hold pace or find a surge.
I don’t want to be the one to doubt that he can do that, but the trends and numbers are what they are. Watt will always have the argument in his favor that his play is more impactful toward winning as long as Garrett is in Cleveland. His contract may hold him there no matter how much he wants out now that the team is 2-6.
But as far as sack totals go, Garrett may be on his way to winning that side of the argument for good.