5 Steelers we should be the most thankful for this year

5 of 5

PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 03: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field on November 3, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

1. T.J. Watt

As good as all of these players have been for the Steelers in 2019, there is nobody quite like T.J. Watt. The former 2017 first-round pick had a breakout season last year that included 13.0 sacks. While many thought he would not be able to maintain his unreal level of production, Watt has taken a massive leap forward.

T.J. Watt is currently the best-rated edge defender in the NFL with a 91.0 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus, and for good reason. He has been utterly dominant against both the pass and the run this season.

Watt is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and is on track to have one of the best defensive seasons in football in 2019. The third-year player has already earned 11.5 sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, 5 forced fumbles, 5 pass defenses, and an interception.

There aren’t many players in the league with his combination of athleticism, technique, and motor. This year, I am thankful we have perhaps the best defensive player in all of football.

Next. Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster is heading down a dangerous path. dark

The Steelers get to relax this Thanksgiving, but they have a big game coming up against the Cleveland Browns. Let’s hope these guys are up to the challenge like they have been all season.

Home/Steelers News