Since joining the Pittsburgh Steelers as a first-round draft pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, TJ Watt has consistently been one of the NFL’s premier defenders. His impact on the field is undeniable, yet despite his impressive performances, he has often been overlooked in discussions about the league’s top defensive players.
Watt’s exclusion from accolades has been a point of contention for some time. During the 2023 season, the disparity became particularly apparent. Following a game, Watt voiced his frustration in a post-game press conference, expressing his belief that the NFL was unfairly treating him. He felt that he wasn’t receiving the same favorable holding calls that other star defenders seemed to get, fueling his discontent.
Watt led the league with 19 sacks in the 2023 season, a remarkable achievement that underscored his dominance. Yet, despite these stellar statistics, he did not win the Defensive Player of the Year Award. This outcome was widely criticized by Steelers fans, many of whom believed he had been unjustly overlooked. Watt himself skipped the award ceremony and posted a cryptic message on social media, highlighting his displeasure.
In a recent survey by The Athletic, which consulted 27 coaches and executives across the league to rank the best defensive players, Watt again fell short of expectations. His ranking was significantly lower than what many Steelers fans would have anticipated, continuing the trend of his underappreciation. This ongoing oversight highlights the discrepancy between Watt’s on-field performance and the recognition he receives from the broader football community.
The survey results revealed a decisive preference for Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett, who received 13 out of 27 votes, making him the clear choice for the best defensive player according to coaches and executives. Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons garnered just five votes, while San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa received three votes.
While it’s understandable that opinions may vary on the top defensive player given the immense talent across the league, what frustrates Steelers fans is the exaggerated comparison between Watt and Garrett. Watt only received two votes, a figure that many feel does not accurately reflect his impact on the field.
The debate between Watt and Garrett has intensified since the announcement of the 2023 AP Defensive Player of the Year Award. Some analysts argue that Garrett's higher pass rush win rate and greater number of pressures on opposing quarterbacks justify his higher ranking.
However, many in Steeler Nation believe that the difference between Watt and Garrett is not as significant as these rankings suggest, and they feel Watt’s contributions deserve more recognition.
Steelers' Cam Heyward Stands Up For TJ Watt
The case for Watt centers around his ability to not only generate pressure but also convert it into sacks, which result in guaranteed negative plays for the offense. Steelers teammate Cam Heyward has championed the value of sacks over pressures this offseason, citing that even when a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes is pressured, he can still make positive gains. Heyward’s perspective underscores why Watt deserves greater recognition.
Despite the survey results, which may seem inconsequential, they reflect an ongoing issue: no matter what Watt achieves, gaining widespread respect across the NFL remains elusive. Even if Watt were to record 25 sacks in the 2024 season and Garrett 15, pundits might still argue that the gap between them is significant.
In reality, the difference is much narrower than many acknowledge. While Garrett, Parsons, and Bosa are all exceptional players, none are as crucial to their team’s success as Watt is to the Steelers. This has been highlighted by Pittsburgh’s dismal 1-10 record during Watt’s absences due to injury. Watt is poised to chase the sack record and silence his critics in the 2024 season, proving his invaluable impact on the game.
