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Pittsburgh Steelers defenders T. J. Watt and Cameron Heyward show strong early-season form
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive stars T. J. Watt and Cameron Heyward are seeing significant early-season production. T. J. Watt has recorded 3.5 sacks, an interception, and a touchdown through the first three games of the 2026 season. Data from Next Gen Stats indicates his pass rush get off time of 0.69 seconds is the fastest he has achieved in five years.
Cameron Heyward, in his 16th NFL season, has contributed seven tackles and four pass deflections during the same period. Ahead of a matchup against the Cleveland Browns, Browns coach Todd Monken joked during a press conference that it is “about time” the two veterans retire, despite acknowledging the challenge they pose to his offense.
Separately, former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, now working as a TV analyst, revealed a long-term personal interest in the video game Minecraft. Tomlin stated he has been working on a creative Minecraft city for approximately 12 years and has discussed the possibility of sharing it with fans.
Entities
Cameron Heyward · Cleveland Browns · Pittsburgh Steelers · T. J. Watt · Todd Monken
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Through the first three games of the 2026 season, T. J. Watt has recorded nine tackles, 3.5 sacks, one pass defensed, one interception, and one touchdown. heavy.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] T. J. Watt's pass rush get off time is 0.69 seconds, his fastest in five years.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Cameron Heyward has recorded seven tackles and four pass deflections through three games in his 16th NFL season. heavy.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken joked that T. J. Watt and Cameron Heyward should retire. heavy.com