No apologies: T.J. Watt explains defensive player of year snub, praises Myles Garrett

T.J. Watt offered no apologies to Myles Garrett — or anyone else — for his social media comments after finishing second in NFL defensive player of the year voting, but the Steelers’ star did give an explanation.

Where the Cleveland Browns pass rusher said Watt owed him an apology for posting that not winning the Associated Press award is “nothing I’m not used to,” the Steelers outside linebacker said he has respect for every NFL player and that it wasn’t personal.

“It’s more so the voting and how that all happened is where we were upset with,” Watt said Friday after practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “It’s nothing to do with Myles Garrett as a person or as a player. I think he’s a hell of a player. It’s more so the voting system and what you need to do to get those things. That’s what I’m not focused on this year. It’s all about the Pittsburgh Steelers and winning as many games as we can in the right moments.”

Garrett had three first-half sacks in the Browns’ 24-19 win over the Steelers on Thursday night at Huntington Bank Field to increase his season total to 10, which ranks third in the league. Watt didn’t have any sacks or pressures, and is tied for 13th with 7½ sacks in 11 games — the same number Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions has in five games.

Asked if he’s in a sacks slump this season, Watt was reflective.

“I don’t know. I really am not about the individual stuff this year. I’m not harping on my individual performance,” Watt said. “Yes, I want to continue to succeed and make as many plays as I possibly can. If it frees up other guys in the process, great. More than anything, I’m ready to get this loss taste out of our mouth moving forward. We have a great opportunity this Sunday.”

The AFC North-leading Steelers (8-3) visit the Cincinnati Bengals (4-7) at 1 p.m. Sunday. The Bengals feature the NFL’s sacks leader in Trey Hendrickson, who has 11½ this season. Last year, Watt had three sacks and six quarterback hits in two games against Cincinnati. This year, the Steelers have dealt with injuries at the opposite outside linebacker spot to both Alex Highsmith (ankle) and Nick Herbig (hamstring).

“I try to just be an all-around player,” Watt said. “I’m trying to make plays, whether it’s run or pass. I’m not trying to take downs off. We’re trying to navigate that, as well. We haven’t had the most depth this year with injuries throughout the week, but I’m trying to navigate that and I’m trying to make as many plays as I can when I’m on the field. It’s not always as easy as it looks. I’m trying to navigate that and the schematics that come with it.”

Watt said he’s not bothered that his numbers are down this year.

“No, if we’re winning and taking care of business and guys are getting to the quarterback, there’s no frustration,” Watt said. “Obviously, I would like to play a part in it. I’m trying to do my best to find and navigate that. But when you throw that much schematics, it’s not always easy to continually make plays like it always has been.”