For years, T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett have been linked in one of many NFL‘s defining participant rivalries. Now, with Garrett pulling forward in latest seasons and Patrick Graham arriving in Pittsburgh, Watt has contemporary causes to reply.
For a lot of their careers, Watt’s manufacturing far outpaced Garrett’s. That modified in 2023 when the Cleveland Browns employed Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator and Garrett elevated his sport to a different degree. Now, Garrett owns two Defensive Player of the Year awards.
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Meanwhile, followers and media members have more and more labeled Watt as a participant in decline. However, after the departure of defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, new head coach Mike McCarthyhired Patrick Graham to lead the defense. Graham has a reputation for maximizing talent and adapting his scheme to fit his personnel, one thing Austin typically struggled to do. After watching Garrett pull forward lately, Watt could now be extra motivated than ever by their private rivalry.
Myles Garrett Pushes T.J. Watt To Be His Best
Watt and Garrett are at all times respectful and pleasant after video games. Make no mistake, although, they are fierce competitors. Even although Garrett won’t face Watt twice a year anymore, the 2 will at all times be linked. They are AFC North rivals, members of the 2017 NFL Draft class, and perennial contenders for Defensive Player of the Year and All-Pro honors.
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For practically a decade, every pushed the opposite to enhance. Garrett pushed Watt, Watt pushed Garrett, and the rivalry turned one of many NFL’s defining defensive matchups.
Garrett now holds a 2-1 advantage in Defensive Player of the Year awards. He additionally surpassed Watt’s and Michael Strahan’s single-season sack document, albeit in two extra video games (Watt had 22.5 sacks in 15 games, tying Strahan’s mark of 22.5 in 16 games, whereas Garrett had 23 sacks in 17 games). On high of that, PFF’s often-debated grading system has traditionally favored Garrett over Watt. While the talk over who was higher remained shut for years, Garrett has gained momentum in latest seasons. That alone ought to give Watt additional motivation to remind the league why he outproduced his counterpart for thus lengthy.
Graham’s Defense Could Put Watt Back within the Spotlight
Austin’s defensive method turned more and more predictable. His blitz ideas lacked creativity, and he typically relied on particular person expertise to generate stress and create chaos. Eventually, opposing offenses adjusted, limiting the impression of the Steelers’ high playmakers, together with Watt.
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Graham brings a special philosophy. Rather than forcing gamers right into a inflexible system, he builds his scheme around the strengths of his personnel. He persistently finds methods to place his greatest defenders in positions to succeed.
Expect him to do the identical with Watt and the remainder of Pittsburgh’s protection.
Graham spent 4 seasons with Maxx Crosby from 2022 by 2025 because the Las Vegas Raiders‘ defensive coordinator. Crosby was already ascending, however Graham helped elevate his sport even additional. During that stretch, Crosby earned a number of Pro Bowl choices, All-Pro recognition, recorded 44.5 sacks, and earned Defensive Player of the Year consideration.
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Now Graham has the chance to create comparable alternatives for Watt. With arguably essentially the most proficient defensive unit he has coached as a coordinator, Graham may unlock one other elite season from the previous Defensive Player of the Year.
And if Watt is motivated by the success Garrett has loved lately, the NFL could quickly be reminded precisely why he has remained one of many league’s most dominant defenders.
This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2026, the place it first appeared within the NFL part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.