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5 Reasons Why The Myles Garrett Vs. T.J. Watt Debate Is The NFL's Most Intense Rivalry

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The rivalry between Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt is not just a battle between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers; it is the definitive annual debate for the title of the NFL's best defensive player. As of late 2024, both elite edge rushers continue to redefine defensive dominance, making the comparison tighter than ever.

This article dives deep into the most current, up-to-date statistics, advanced metrics, and career achievements, including their stellar 2024 seasons, to provide the definitive, data-driven answer to who holds the edge in this generational defensive showdown.

Player Profiles: The Pillars of AFC North Defense

The careers of Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt are inextricably linked, having both been drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Their paths to defensive stardom, however, showcase different but equally dominant skill sets.

Myles Garrett: The #1 Pick and Defensive Powerhouse

  • Full Name: Myles Lorenz Garrett
  • Born: December 29, 1995 (Arlington, Texas)
  • College: Texas A&M University
  • NFL Draft: 2017, Round 1, 1st overall (Cleveland Browns)
  • Position: Defensive End (DE)
  • Major Career Awards: 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 4x First-team All-Pro, 6x Pro Bowl selection.
  • Career Trajectory: Known for his unparalleled athleticism, speed, and raw strength, Garrett has consistently been one of the most feared pass rushers in the league since his rookie season.

T.J. Watt: The Sack King and Turnover Specialist

  • Full Name: Trent Jordan Watt
  • Born: October 11, 1994 (Waukesha, Wisconsin)
  • College: University of Wisconsin
  • NFL Draft: 2017, Round 1, 30th overall (Pittsburgh Steelers)
  • Position: Outside Linebacker (OLB)
  • Major Career Awards: 2021 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year, 3x First-team All-Pro, 7x Pro Bowl selection.
  • Career Trajectory: Watt holds the NFL record as the fastest player to reach 100 sacks. His game is defined by relentless motor, elite technique, and an exceptional ability to generate game-changing turnovers (forced fumbles and interceptions).

The 2024 Season Showdown: Traditional vs. Advanced Stats

The 2024 NFL season provided the latest chapter in this epic rivalry, with both players delivering Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) caliber performances. A look at the traditional box score stats shows a close race, but the advanced analytics reveal a deeper story.

Traditional Box Score Comparison (2024 Season)

While Garrett led in the most coveted pass-rushing stat, Watt’s all-around production was staggering, especially in assisted tackles and turnovers.

  • Sacks: Myles Garrett (14.0) vs. T.J. Watt (11.5)
  • Solo Tackles: Myles Garrett (40) vs. T.J. Watt (40)
  • Assisted Tackles: Myles Garrett (7) vs. T.J. Watt (21)
  • Fumble Recoveries: Myles Garrett (1) vs. T.J. Watt (2)
  • Pro Bowl Selections: Myles Garrett (6th) vs. T.J. Watt (7th)

Advanced Analytics Comparison (2024 Season)

This is where the debate truly sharpens, as advanced metrics from Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlight the specific areas of dominance for each player.

  • PFF Pass-Rush Grade: Garrett led the league, finishing atop all edge defenders.
  • PFF Run Defense Grade: Watt earned a 90.3 run defense grade, which led all edge defenders in the league.
  • Pass-Rush Win Rate: Garrett finished atop the league in this metric, indicating how often he beats his blocker within 2.5 seconds.
  • Total Pressures: Garrett also led the NFL in total pressures generated on the quarterback.

The Debate: Pass Rush Prowess vs. All-Around Dominance

The core of the Garrett vs. Watt argument centers on prioritizing pure pass-rushing dominance versus a complete, all-encompassing defensive impact. Both players are elite, but their methods and roles differ slightly.

Garrett: The Unstoppable Pass-Rush Force

Myles Garrett is arguably the most physically gifted edge rusher in the NFL. His 2024 performance, where he led the league in PFF pass-rush grade, pass-rush win rate, and total pressures, cemented his status as a devastating force against the quarterback.

When the game is on the line and a sack is needed, Garrett's combination of speed-to-power and elite hand usage makes him virtually unblockable. His ability to consistently beat double teams is a testament to his freakish athleticism and technique.

Watt: The Complete Defensive Disruptor

T.J. Watt’s case is built on his exceptional playmaking ability and his comprehensive impact across all defensive phases. While his sack numbers are elite, his true value lies in his ability to create turnovers—a critical factor that directly impacts winning games.

Crucially, Watt was the only edge defender in 2024 to earn a 90.0-plus PFF grade in both pass-rushing (90.1) and run defense (90.3). This versatility and dominance against the run—a traditional weak spot for many elite pass rushers—makes him the more complete defensive player.

Topical Authority: The Positional Difference

A key point often missed in the traditional comparison is the difference in their defensive roles. Garrett is a Defensive End (DE) in the Cleveland Browns' 4-3 scheme, primarily focused on pass-rushing and holding the edge.

Watt is an Outside Linebacker (OLB) in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 3-4 scheme. This role requires more responsibility in coverage, dropping into the flat, and run-stopping from a standing position. Watt's ability to seamlessly transition between these roles while maintaining elite production is a major factor in his favor.

Conclusion: Who Holds the 2024 Edge?

The debate between Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt will likely rage on until their careers conclude. Both players are future Hall of Famers and the face of their respective AFC North franchises.

If the measure of "better" is purely pass-rushing dominance—how often a player beats their block and pressures the quarterback—the 2024 data clearly favors Myles Garrett, who was statistically the most efficient and destructive pass rusher in the NFL.

However, if the measure is all-around defensive value—a player who is elite against the pass, the run, and generates more game-changing turnovers—then T.J. Watt has a compelling argument, backed by his league-leading run-defense grade and his consistent takeaway production.

Ultimately, the rivalry is a gift to football fans, showcasing two different styles of defensive greatness. The 2024 season proved they remain 1A and 1B in the discussion of the NFL's elite edge rushers.

myles garrett vs tj watt
myles garrett vs tj watt

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