Why T.J. Watt should win DPOY despite not playing in final game
By Tommy Jaggi
T.J. Watt is currently the frontrunner to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. Here’s why the Steelers star has earned it.
The Steelers have emerged as one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL over the past two seasons, and it is no coincidence that T.J. Watt has been a Defensive Player of the Year candidate over that time. Heading into Week 17, Watt leads the entire NFL in sacks, tackles for a loss, quarterback hits, and pressures, according to Pro Football Reference.
Unfortunately, Mike Tomlin made the decision to sit his star edge defender for the final game of the season as the Steelers prepare for the playoffs. While this is the right move for the team, it’s unfortunate that sitting out against the Browns could cost Watt the Defensive Player of the Year award.
As of now, Watt is still the favorite to win DPOY at -182 odds, according to Draft Kings Sportsbook. However, that could change with a dominant showing from soon-to-be six-time All-Pro Aaron Donald this week. Here’s why Watt deserves the award despite sitting out the final week of the season:
Watt is leading in all major statistical departments
While you could honestly make the case for Aaron Donald to be the Defensive Player of the Year after every season, it is T.J. Watt who is leading the NFL in nearly every major defensive category, including sacks (15.0), tackles for a loss (23), pressures (55), and quarterback hits (41).
Watt has improved on all of these numbers that made him one of the top Defensive Player of the Year candidates in the 2019 season, and there is no reason he shouldn’t be considered the top candidate this year, based on statistical production.