3 things all Steelers fans should be rooting for on MNF vs Browns
By Tommy Jaggi
T.J. Watt to strengthen his case for DPOY
If I would have told you before the season that T.J. Watt would be one of the frontrunners for Defensive Player of the Year, that wouldn’t surprise anyone. He has been for three straight seasons now. However, that would have been a bit more unbelievable if I told you that he would two games this season and exit early with injuries in four
others.
Watt has missed substantial practice and game time in 2021 due to groin, hip, and knee injuries, as well as missed practice time due to COVID-19 protocol. This is in addition to the two-time All-Pro missing all of the preseason and nearly every training camp practice as he awaited his new deal.
Despite all of this, Watt still has remarkable production. He has earned 54 tackles, 17.5 sacks, 17 tackles for a loss, 31 quarterback hits, and 4 forced fumbles this season, according to Pro Football Reference.
While Pittsburgh failing to make the playoffs could hurt his chances, T.J. Watt is still very much alive in terms of his Defensive Player of the Year odds, and a dominant showing against the Cleveland Browns could give him a great shot at earning this individual honor for his effort this season.