T.J. Watt is already tearing it up with 3.5 sacks through just three games this season, but Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken jokingly suggested it’s “about time he retires” before their rivalry game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Thursday night. You just know that comment is going to get some eyes on it ahead of the big AFC North clash.
Monken’s comments came during a media session on Tuesday, where he was asked about facing Watt, a certified figurehead of the Steelers’ stout defense. The Browns’ head coach delivered his response with a clear mix of humor and undeniable respect. He didn’t just target Watt, either, adding “And Heyward and all those guys. Credit to those guys, how long they’ve done it, at the level they’ve done it.” Monken admitted it has “been tough to go against them” and that “those elite players are hard, are challenging.” He gave Watt full credit, saying he’s “doing it like I’ve always seen him do it.”
Monken definitely knows what he’s talking about, too. He’s been in the AFC North for five of the last eight seasons, coaching against Watt in some capacity, whether as offensive coordinator for the Ravens or now as the Browns’ head coach. Watt has played 15 games against the Browns in his career, racking up a seriously impressive 17.5 sacks, 49 total tackles, 1 interception, and 1 scoop-and-score. His 3.5 sacks this season are already the fourth-most in the entire NFL.
This “Thursday Night Football” rivalry game is a massive one, with both the Browns and Steelers coming in hot at 2-1 through three games. Cleveland dropped its season opener but bounced back with wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, sandwiched wins over the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals around a disappointing 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 2. When these two teams meet, especially with Monken tossing out lines like that about Watt, you know it’s going to be a battle worth watching.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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