In a year when things didn’t go according to plan for the Pittsburgh Steelers, outside linebacker T.J. Watt put on a show. But on Saturday night, Watt’s huge season wasn’t rewarded as he missed out on NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The Associated Press chose to go with Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
Watt led the league in multiple categories including sacks with 15. He also led the NFL in tackles for loss with 23 and total quarterback hits with 41. However, if you think Watt was only a pass rusher, keep in mind he had 53 total tackles and was second in the NFL among linebackers with seven passes defended. And he did it all in 15 games as he sat out the last regular-season game.
The last two Steelers players to win Defensive Player of the Year was linebacker James Harrison in 2008 and safety Troy Polamalu in 2010.
It is hard to argue with Donald winning but Watt was every bit as deserving. Watt has a lot of football ahead of him and his best is yet to come.
