Defensive Player of the Year is going to be highly contested this season, but according to head coach Mike Tomlin, Watt is the best.
“Let’s be honest: T.J. Watt is the best defensive player on the planet right now,”
Tomlin said.
It’s going to be tough for any defensive player to catch Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland and his seven interceptions, five of which he has returned for touchdowns to set a single-season NFL record. But in terms of all-around impact and the amount of attention he draws, few players compare to Watt.
Mike Tomlin usually doesn’t shower his players with too much public praise. Specifically, Tomlin was asked if Watt has been a stabilizing force for a defense that has been without several pieces during the season.
Tomlin took the opportunity to address that question while also offering the highest praise a coach can give to a player.
“Not only for the defense, but for our football team,”
Tomlin said.
“It’s just a lot to learn from him in terms of how he goes about his business, how he works to maximize his talent level.”
Steelers HC Mike Tomlin: T.J. Watt is "best defensive player on the planet right now"https://t.co/SizPmQshlF
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) November 30, 2023
I get a bird’s eye view of it. I know the type of games that we’ve been in, close ball games, and how that at times minimizes a guy that plays his position’s ability to impact a game.
“We’re just appreciative of it. Hopefully it’s something that the young guys can learn from. It’s our job to continue to work to put him position where his talents and his will and his preparedness shows.”
It’s hard to argue Tomlin’s praise of Watt as the league’s best defensive player. Watt’s 13.5 sacks is tied with Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter for the most in the NFL. He is also among the league’s leaders in forced fumbles (3) and fumble recoveries (3). Watt also had a key interception that contributed to Pittsburgh’s win over the Rams back in Week 7.
Watt’s play this season has put him back in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. Here’s how Watt’s season stacks up with the other top candidates.
Watt’s play this season has put him back in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. It’s going to be hard for either Watt or Garrett to beat out Bland for DPOY.
It would likely take either Watt or Garrett breaking the single-season sack record (which Watt currently shares with Michael Strahan) for either player to receive serious consideration.
Regardless of who wins that award, Tomlin is convinced that the planet’s best defensive player resides on his team. For Watt, who won DPOY in 2021, his biggest goal is a team-oriented one.
“I’ve played in three playoff games and haven’t won a single one, so that’s a big issue. That’s probably goal No. 1 is just to get into the playoffs and win a playoff game and just go from there.”
Mike Tomlin isn’t wrong to praise T.J. Watt, based on the statistics.
