Last night, the NFL Honors was on and many players around the league got the recognition that they deserved. A good example of that was Alex Smith being Comeback Player of the Year. At first, I would argue that Ben Roethlisberger deserved that reward, however, Alex Smith came back from basically near death and still posted a decent stat line. So, us Steelers fans can forgive that snub.
However, this latest snub we cannot. TJ Watt was the best defensive player in the league this season and it is obvious why. He led the league in most categories and was an absolute force to be reckoned with. Steelers Fans who have been watching also know that he was being held on almost every play. So, the whole argument of Aaron Donald getting double teamed/triple teamed does not really apply here. Honestly, the same is happening to TJ Watt.
Aaron Donald is a great player; however, this was TJ Watt’s award, and I am very disappointed that it was not named to him. I am not surprised though; we all had a feeling that this would happen. Do not know why I had a feeling, just knew that it happened last year as well.
So, expect to see an even more motivated player coming into next season looking forward to earning his second contract. I assume it will be the Steelers offering to pay him big time. Next year, the salary cap floodgates open and the Steelers will be making him most likely the highest paid defensive player in the league.
TJ Watt looking ahead will continue to improve and get better. I'm hoping the Steelers can find a way to bring back Bud Dupree to keep that duo going. It will be important to take off some of the pressure on his side and keep Offenses honest.