Although the Steelers are solid favorites to defeat Cleveland Sunday night at Heinz Field, Pittsburghers know all too well that when it comes to the playoffs, nothing is guaranteed (see Jaguars 2017, Broncos 2011, Jaguars 2007, Chargers 1994).
But there is one guarantee whenever the Steelers play the Browns – TJ Watt will wreak havoc. Not that Watt – who was named first-team All Pro Friday – doesn’t wreak havoc against a lot of teams but he saves some of his best work for the Browns.
It started in Watt’s NFL debut in Cleveland when he splashed onto the scene with 2 sacks, an interception, 7 tackles in all, 2 for losses and a pair of QB hits. He began the 2018 season with a hat trick – 3 sacks, 10 tackles, 3 tackles for loss - in a game that Steelers still failed to win, that ridiculous 21-21 tie.
In 7 career games against the Browns, Watt has 9 sacks, 41 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 15 QB hits, along with that one interception.
Why the success against Cleveland?
“I don’t know,” Watt says in his typical “aww shucks” fashion, “I just think it’s kind of the way it works out sometimes; I prepare the same for every team and always feel like I’m putting my best foot forward every week and sometimes it just works out that way.”
Oddly enough, the only time Watt did not sack a Browns QB was earlier this season at Heinz Field, a game the Steelers still won, 38-7.
Watt, of course, did not play in the second meeting, given last Sunday off.
Now Watt is refreshed going up against his favorite opponent. “Not being able to play last week has only done my body a whole lot of well-resting; I’m just very excited to be able to practice again this week and feel very, very confident in guys we have in the locker room and the game plan that we’ve got set in place.”
Sounds like more bad news for the Browns.