The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers take another step in their rivalry on Sunday in their Week 14 matchup. While the Steelers have controlled the Browns since “The Return” in 1999 and are at the top of the AFC North, Cleveland looks to take the season series in 2024.
The scene of RB Nick Chubb’s major injury in 2023, which some fans believe was a dirty hit, adds a layer to the rivalry while DE Myles Garrett and OLB TJ Watt compete about being the top defender in the league. On the field and while being interviewed, Garrett proved he was the top dog the last time these two teams matched up.
In a survey of players, Garrett was ranked as the top defender and third overall when asked what “non-QB” they would build their teams around. Watt was ranked sixth:
While we would agree with Garrett over Watt, the video above makes it clear how imperfect the survey was with Aaron Donald, retired, and a kicker on the list. Presenting the concern even greater is that a couple of backups were also noted on the list:
While over 100 responses are a good number, it is not a solid representative sample of over 1,500 active roster players. While not perfect, the top of the list has some of the best non-quarterbacks in the NFL on it. That Garrett received almost double Watt's votes is notable.
The age and injury history of some of the players would probably drop them quite a bit if a real fantasy draft were to happen. Tyreek Hill and Trent Williams are on the backside of their careers while Christian McCaffrey has dealt with a lot of injuries in his career including two this season.
