The Pittsburgh Steelers have consistently had one of the best defenses in the NFL over the last decade, and a big reason for that is their All-Pro outside linebacker TJ Watt. Pittsburgh drafted Watt in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he has been making a serious impact ever since. Watt has been one of the best defenders in the league and he continuously finds ways to wreck games. However, he has somehow only won the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year Award once in his career, despite being a finalist four times.
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Steelers' TJ Watt (90) celebrates after a missed field goal by the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.
Watt won the DPOY Award during the 2021 season when he tied the single-season sack record. He was arguably snubbed for the award in 2020 when he finished second to Aaron Donald, but it was a close race. In 2023, Myles Garrett essentially stole the award from Watt as he was given the hardware despite being behind Watt in nearly every major statistical category. Pittsburgh takes on the Cleveland Browns in Week 11, and Garrett had a message for Watt while speaking to the media.
"I've never complained about the trophy not being at my house," Garrett said. "He shouldn't be feeling two ways about it going to me. We're just going to play the game, I don't play against TJ, he doesn't play against me. We have a plan to go out and do what we're supposed to, win the game. Dominate on defense. It's up for grabs this year, may the best man win."
Watt didn't take kindly to being snubbed for the award in 2023. He skipped the NFL Honors all together after getting word that the award would be given to Garrett instead. There was no real reason Garrett should have won the award as the defensive end only had one sack over the last seven weeks of the regular season in 2023. Watt had more sacks, tackles, quarterback hits, interceptions, fumble recoveries, touchdowns, and the same amount of forced fumbles as Garrett. The sports world was perplexed by the decision.
AP Photo / Matt Durisko
Steelers' TJ Watt meets with Browns' Myles Garrett after a game.
Steelers' TJ Watt Beating Myles Garrett In Nearly Every Category Once Again In 2024
Watt is the current favorite to walk away with the NFL's DPOY Award at the end of the 2024 season. He hasn't been sacking the quarterback as much as he is used to because he is seeing so much attention from the offense, which was a big reason for Garrett winning the award last year. If the season were to end today, Watt would be leading Garrett in sacks, tackles, quarterback hits, passes defensed, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries.
Watt seems to be running away with the award in 2024, but there is still a lot of season left. If he continues to play like he has, he should be able to walk away with some hardware. He continues to see extra attention from the offense, but he has still found ways to get in the backfield and make plays.
Philip G. Pavely / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers' TJ Watt attempts to sack Browns' Deshaun Watson.
Garrett's comments will likely add some fuel to the fire for Watt as he prepares to take on Cleveland on Thursday night. The two may not share the field at the same time, but they will certainly be trying to outplay one another. The Browns' season is likely over, and the Steelers need to keep piling on wins as they try to build their case for the one-seed in the AFC.
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