T.J. Watt helps Pittsburgh Steelers preserve tie against Cleveland Browns

T.J. Watt may have been all over the field on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, but the impressive results of his play took him to a different place.

“This is weird,” said Watt, linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I don’t know what in the heck a tie means. We’ve just got to keep playing and hope for a win to come soon.”

Despite Watt’s 11 tackles, four sacks, and a blocked field-goal attempt in the final seconds in overtime, the Browns and Steelers finished in a 21-21 tie at FirstEnergy Stadium.

It was the first tie in the opening week of the NFL season since 1971, when the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos ended their game at 10-10.

Which made Sunday’s game almost a waste of Watt’s efforts. He became the organization’s first linebacker to record three or more sacks in a game since 2015. But more importantly, his block of a 43-yard field-goal attempt prevented the Steelers from losing to the Browns for the first time in four years.

“I got my hand on it,” said Watt, who penetrated the middle of the line to make the play. “When the ball snapped, I just tried to do my job by getting penetration. I did. The ball hit my hand, and tie game.”

The play preserved the tie. Although not a victory, it still provided the Steelers with some relief.

T.J. had a heck of a game,” Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward said. “He’s a Watt [younger brother of All-Pro J.J. of the Houston Texans]. He’s making a name for himself. I’m just sad we didn’t get the win for him.”

Watt was even sadder for his team.

“I would’ve done anything for the win,” he said. “We’ll come back, watch the film and get to work this coming week.”

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