Steelers fans know that T.J. Watt doesn’t just let his stats do the talking—he lets his game roar. But after Thursday’s showdown with the Browns, some are itching for Watt to fire back at Myles Garrett. And honestly, does Watt need to?
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist and 93.7 talk show host Joe Starkey said this morning on the Joe Starkey Show:
In this game, [Garrett] talked the talk and then he backed it up, and he was the best player on the field. I actually like that there’s something brewing, and I wish T.J. would pipe back. I do. I wish he would snap up into the conversation here. If you’re T.J., come back. Or, don’t go on social media when he wins the award and basically say something basically passive-aggressively, ‘I’m used to it.’ You want to talk and snap back and say you’re the guy, then say it. You want to play the role of I don’t talk like that, I don’t do stuff like that, then do that. Be one or the other.
Starkey suggests that Watt should jump into the conversation, snapping back to assert himself as the league’s top defensive force. But here’s the thing: Watt doesn’t need to talk the talk—he’s been walking it for years. With 104 career sacks and countless game-changing plays, Watt’s resume is already in elite company. He’s in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation every season, and his work ethic and consistency speak louder than any trash talk ever could.
That said, a part of Steelers Nation might appreciate a little more fire. Garrett’s game was stellar, no doubt, but it’s always frustrating when the narrative shifts after one standout performance. Watt could easily remind everyone who’s been the real force to reckon with in the AFC North. A well-timed, confident clap-back could energize fans and keep the rivalry alive.
Still, Watt staying classy has its own power. He doesn’t need to play into the noise; he lets his highlights speak for him. Whether it’s strip-sacks, quarterback pressures, or anchoring the Steelers’ defense, Watt’s actions are more impactful than any social media jab could ever be.
Bottom line? Garrett may have won the day, but Watt is the gold standard. Let’s not forget that rivalries are settled on the field—and Watt will undoubtedly get his next chance to remind everyone why he’s the guy.
