Pittsburgh Steelers' TJ Watt responds to Giants' “Island” comment

PITTSBURGH – After a press conference in which New York Giants offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor discussed his preparation for the game against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt and in which Eluemunor said he wanted to go to “an island.” Watt showed him the error of his approach on Monday Night Football.

When the clock struck 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 become the dominant message in his press conference.

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

“Oh, of course,” Watt said. “I mean, I have a lot of respect for every single player in the NFL. Everyone works hard and I just try to take my chances when I get them and make the most of them when they come. But, without a scheme, it's not possible to create these one-on-one situations along with the backend cover just long enough and have the guys at the top chew up blockers too.

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

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

Knowing how football and the world of entertainment that surrounds it works, statements like Eluemunor's will also appear again in relation to Watt. However, it's possible they'll think more about it after his performance this week.

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