T.J. Watt is being recognized for his dominance. The incredible pass-rusher won AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors Wednesday for his performance against the Ravens, in which he compiled 3.5 sacks against Lamar Jackson.
Watt was one of the biggest difference makers for the Steelers in their 20-19 win. He was in Jackson's face all night long, including on the Ravens' final two-point attempt. Jackson panicked under pressure, and threw the ball slightly ahead of tight end Mark Andrews, who couldn't come up with the game-winning grab.
The Steelers rewarded Watt with a four-year extension worth $80 million guaranteed, and he's playing up to his contract. The two-time All-Pro is in the center of the MVP discussion. With 16 sacks, Watt is on pace for 24, which would break Michael Strahan's 20-year record of 22.5.
While it's rare for a defensive player to win MVP — Lawrence Taylor (1986) and Alan Page (1971) are the only defensive players to capture the honor — there's no singular dominant quarterback in the league this season. Aaron Rodgers is a candidate, but he won the award in 2020.
Tom Brady, a three-time winner, is a top contender as well.
Ben Roethlisberger, for his part, told reporters Tuesday he thinks Watt is the league MVP. "He is a game changer and a game wrecker," Roethlisberger said. "I have played with guys like that, Troy Polamalu, who can change a football game and that doesn't happen on defense that often. To be a literal game changer on defense is something special and should be recognized. He should get MVP votes as well because that's what kind of player he is."
Coincidently, the closest a defensive player has come to winning the award since Taylor is J.J. Watt, who recorded 13 MVP votes for his sensational 2014 campaign (20.5 sacks, 51 QB hits and three defensive touchdowns). His younger brother, T.J. will likely finish with similar numbers.
Watt appears to be a lock for Defensive Player of the Year. We'll see if MVP follows.
