3 reasons T.J. Watt is the NFL Defensive Player of the Year thus far in 2021
By Scott Long
3. T.J. Watt is on a historic pace
Watt entered this season as a three-time Pro Bowler, and a two-time All-Pro, yet he is playing at an even higher level this season. According to Pro Football Reference, his career-high in sacks entering this season was 15, yet despite only playing in 10 games so far this year, he has already set a new career-high. Additionally, his 16 tackles for loss are already his second-most in a single season as well.
He is well on his way to having a career-best season, but more importantly, he is close to making NFL history. Michael Strahan holds the official single-season record for sacks with 22.5, while Al Baker unofficially had 23 in a season. With five games remaining in the season, both could be within reach for Watt if he can stay on the field.
Thus far this year he is averaging 1.6 sacks per game, and if he were to continue on that pace he would finish the season with another eight sacks. While that is by no means a guarantee, that is definitely within the realm of possibility considering the level he has played at.
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Due to the following reasons, T.J. Watt is undoubtedly the NFL’s best defensive player thus far, and if he can stay healthy, he should end the season as the winner of the Defensive Player of the Year Award. Despite controversially missing out over the last two seasons, Watt has taken his play to an even higher level of play and should take home the award this season.