Pittsburgh Steelers’ TJ Watt Responds to Giants ‘Island’ Comment

PITTSBURGH — After a press conference in which New York Giants offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor talked about his preparation to face Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt, in which Eluemunor said he wanted to be put on “an island,” Watt showed him the flaw in his roads on Monday Night Football.

When the clock hit 0, Watt finished the game with 7 tackles, 2 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

After the game, Watt acknowledged the comments, but did not let them be the dominant message of his press conference.

When asked about the comments, Watt said little about them, but mostly focused on the way football is played as a whole.

“Oh, sure,” Watt said. “I mean, I have a lot of respect for every single player in the NFL. Everybody works hard and I just try to get my opportunities when I get them and make the most of them when they happen. But, it’s not possible off-scheme We’ve done a good job of trying to create the one-on-ones along with the backend coverage just long enough and the guys up front that chew blockers as well.

While the first half started slowly for the defense, with the biggest play of the half coming on a 43-yard reception from Daniel Jones to Darius Slayton, Watt and the defense dominated the game in the second half.

After a fumble by Russell Wilson gave the Giants one last chance to tie the game late, Watt came through Eluemunor and into the backfield to strip Jones and effectively end the game.

Knowing how football and the entertainment world that surrounds it works, statements like the ones Eluemunor made will happen again when it comes to Watt. That said, it’s possible they’ll think more through after seeing his performance this week.

Be sure to bookmark Steelers On SI to get all your daily Pittsburgh Steelers news, interviews, breakdowns and more!