It appears there is some competitive tension between Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt stemming from the NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award process. The main issues involve:
1. NFL Honors Show Snub: T.J. Watt chose not to attend the NFL Honors ceremony where Myles Garrett was awarded the 2023 DPOY.
Watt’s absence and his social media post, “nothing I’m not used to,” seemed to hint at frustration with consistently finishing in the top three without winning the award. Garrett perceived this as unsportsmanlike.
2. Statistical Debate: In 2023, Watt had better stats in categories like sacks (19 to Garrett’s 14), tackles, and passes defensed. However, Garrett excelled in advanced metrics like pressure rates and was part of the league’s top-ranked defense. This fueled debate about whether Garrett deserved the award, leading to a sense of rivalry.
3. Competitive Rivalry: Both players are highly competitive, leading defenses for their respective teams. The rivalry isn’t personal, as Garrett clarified that they don’t directly play against each other but strive to dominate defensively. However, Garrett expressed that Watt should not feel “two ways” about him winning the award.
This competitive friction will likely add intensity to the Week 12 matchup between the Browns and Steelers, as both teams are vying for control in the AFC North.
