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George Kittle Issues Challenge to Steelers LB T.J. Watt

Two of the best at their position will clash when the Pittsburgh Steelers meet the 49ers in Week 1.
Stephen Thompson|
George Kittle Issues Challenge to Steelers LB T.J. Watt
George Kittle Issues Challenge to Steelers LB T.J. Watt

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Pittsburgh SteelersSan Francisco 49ers

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the San Francisco 49ers during Week 1 of the 2023 season, setting up a potential blockbuster between two of the biggest brands the NFL has to offer. When the two teams hit the field, one of the best individual matchups will come when the 49ers have the ball. 

The Steelers' elite defense will have their hands full against one of the most creative attacks in the league and star pass rusher T.J. Watt in particular, will try to avoid being stimied by 49ers tight end George Kittle, a spectacular do-it-all player and one of the only in the league with a prayer of blocking the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year. Kittle said he's looking forward to proving what he can do against Watt. 

"You're one-on-one versus Cam Jordan," Kittle said on a recent episode of Pardon My Take. "You're one-on-one versus T.J. Watt, go for it. He gets paid millions of dollars to rush the passer but I look at it as an opportunity for me to be like, 'You're not going through me.' And I'm very excited about it."

Kittle believes he is the best blocking tight end in the NFL and confident that he will be able to handle the speed, power and skill that Watt has used so devastatingly against most of the league. 

"Me," Kittle said when asked who is the best blocking tight end in the NFL. "If it comes to blocking, I'll toot my own horn."

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Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper. He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press. During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general. 

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