PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 27: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Mike Tomlin thinks T.J. Watt is the clear favorite for Defensive Player of the Year.
The Defensive Player of the Year vote might be the most contested award doled out in the 2020 NFL season considering how many quality players are vying for that title. Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is once again turning NFL linemen into mincemeat, and Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard’s tremendous ball skills have helped them create one of the best secondaries in the game.
Despite those two superstars dominating this year, Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt is just as viable a candidate for the award, and head coach Mike Tomlin is throwing his support behind him.
Tomlin claimed that Watt is “visiting from another planet” before vouching for the son of Krypton pass rusher to take home one of the game’s highest individual honors.
T.J. Watt has made the leap from stud to superstar this season
Watt finally announced that he was a truly elite pass rusher over the last two seasons, recording 27.5 sacks and being named a First-Team All-Pro in 2019. In 2020, Watt was named a Pro Bowler for the third-straight time, and he currently leads the NFL in sacks with 15 and quarterback hits with 23. Watt’s numbers have come within the context of winning games, as he is an integral part of one of the league’s best defenses as his Steelers clinched the AFC North title once more.
Watt still will have a few more trophies to pick up if he wants to match what older brother J.J. Watt has done in Houston, as the Texas star won three DPOY awards in a four-year span.
It’s rare for a family to get one player to the NFL, but the Watts have one of the best pass rushers in league history in J.J., a DPOY favorite in T.J., and one of the league’s better blocking fullbacks in Derek. Watt taking home some hardware would cap off a superb 2020 season for all three brothers.