Myles Garrett's Rise Could Fuel T.J. Watt's Next Steelers Surge

For years, T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett have been linked in one of the NFL's defining player rivalries. Now, with Garrett pulling ahead in recent seasons and Patrick Graham arriving in Pittsburgh, Watt has fresh reasons to respond.

For much of their careers, Watt's production far outpaced Garrett's. That changed in 2023 when the Cleveland Browns hired Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator and Garrett elevated his game to another level. Now, Garrett owns two Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Meanwhile, fans and media members have increasingly labeled Watt as a player 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, something Austin often struggled to do. After watching Garrett pull ahead in recent years, Watt may now be more motivated than ever by their personal rivalry.

Myles Garrett Pushes T.J. Watt To Be His Best

Watt and Garrett are always respectful and friendly after games. Make no mistake, though, they are fierce competitors. Even though Garrett won't face Watt twice a year anymore, the two will always 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.

For nearly a decade, each pushed the other to improve. Garrett pushed Watt, Watt pushed Garrett, and the rivalry became one of the NFL's defining defensive matchups.

Garrett now holds a 2-1 advantage in Defensive Player of the Year awards. He also surpassed Watt's and Michael Strahan's single-season sack record, albeit in two additional games (Watt had 22.5 sacks in 15 games, tying Strahan's mark of 22.5 in 16 games, while Garrett had 23 sacks in 17 games). On top of that, PFF's often-debated grading system has historically favored Garrett over Watt. While the debate over who was better remained close for years, Garrett has gained momentum in recent seasons. That alone should give Watt extra motivation to remind the league why he outproduced his counterpart for so long.

Graham's Defense Could Put Watt Back in the Spotlight

Austin's defensive approach became increasingly predictable. His blitz concepts lacked creativity, and he often relied on individual talent to generate pressure and create chaos. Eventually, opposing offenses adjusted, limiting the impact of the Steelers' top playmakers, including Watt.

Graham brings a different philosophy. Rather than forcing players into a rigid system, he builds his scheme around the strengths of his personnel. He consistently finds ways to put his best defenders in positions to succeed.

Expect him to do the same with Watt and the rest of Pittsburgh's defense.

Graham spent four seasons with Maxx Crosby from 2022 through 2025 as the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive coordinator. Crosby was already ascending, but Graham helped elevate his game even further. During that stretch, Crosby earned multiple Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro recognition, recorded 44.5 sacks, and earned Defensive Player of the Year consideration.

Now Graham has the opportunity to create similar opportunities for Watt. With arguably the most talented defensive unit he has coached as a coordinator, Graham could unlock another elite season from the former Defensive Player of the Year.

And if Watt is motivated by the success Garrett has enjoyed in recent years, the NFL may soon be reminded exactly why he has remained one of the league's most dominant defenders.