10 bold predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023

4. T.J. Watt breaks the single season sack record and wins Defensive player of the year

T.J. Watt has won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year once during his career. He has been on record that he would like to surpass his brother, J.J. Watt's number in that reward column before he retires from the league. That means he will need to win the award three more times to have more Defensive Player of the Year awards than his older brother.

Both will end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame when the appropriate time comes. It will be a tough task for Watt to accomplish, especially with all the politics that go into the NFL award decisions. There is extra motivation this season for Watt as he missed most of last year with a pec injury. He is healthy and raring to go.

Pat McAfee has Watt on his show recently and challenged Watt to break his own record this year for most sacks in a season. He currently holds that honor with Michael Strahan as both are currently tied for the honor with 22.5 sacks. McAfee claimed that he would donate $500,000 to charity if Watt was able to break that record.

Watt seemed excited by the offer which should give him some extra motivation. After missing last year, he will be more motivated than ever to regain his status in the league and help the Steelers win football games. He has been labeled as injury prone in recent years, and that is fair judgment with the time he misses.

When he is healthy there are few players in the NFL that impact their teams' outcomes in a positive light than him. He has been one of the best defensive players in Steelers history and that trend should continue this upcoming schedule. If Watt can stay healthy for most of this season, expect him to be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.