T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward race toward Steelers franchise record vs. 49ers
Brock Purdy, beware. T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward, two of the most proficient quarterback harassers in the league, are typically on fire from game to game, but having the opportunity to be crowned a franchise leader brings with it a little more oomph.
No extra motivation will be needed when the Pittsburgh Steelers defense first takes the field this afternoon. The first brawl of the season is always something special that way, but Watt and Heyward will be licking their chops at the San Fransisco 49ers quarterback as they race toward the Steelers franchise sack record of 80.5 set by James Harrison in 2016 (177 games).
Watt and Heyward have 77.5 and 78.5, respectively, but it’s taken the former Defensive Player of the Year just 87 games to Heyward’s 183.
Steelers franchise leaders in sacks:
80.5 — James Harrison
78.5 — Cam Heyward
77.5 — T.J WattWho between Heyward and Watt break the record first? pic.twitter.com/ZmfevXmVDh
— SteelCityMuse (@steelcitymuse) September 8, 2023
With his sack on Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler in Week 11 of the 2016 season, Harrison took the crown of the sack leader from Jason Gildon, who logged 76 career sacks in 2003 (151 games). Gildon had 76 career sacks, breaking L.C. Greenwood’s unofficial mark of 73.5 (174 games). Sacks were not an NFL statistic until 1982.
Who do you think will be the first to break the record? Cast your vote below.
