Earlier this month, Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year after putting together a stellar performance during the 2023 season.
Many agreed with Garrett getting the award, but as always, there were definitely some people who disagreed with the Browns pass rusher receiving the honor.
For some of those who disagreed with Garrett getting the award, they believed Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt was more deserving of the honor after what he was able to do out on the field during the 2023 campaign.
Watt actually responded to Garrett winning the award during a recent appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast (via Matthew Luciow on Twitter).
“I don’t have a problem with any players. Everybody’s phenomenal. Myles [Garrett] and Micah [Parsons], they’re great players. Don’t get me wrong. It’s just that the voting, I want more clarity on how it all comes about.”
TJ Watt on not winning Defensive Player of the Year:
“I don’t have a problem with any players.
Everybody’s phenomenal. Myles and Micah they’re great players don’t get me wrong.
It’s just that the voting, I want more clarity on how it all comes about.”#steelers… pic.twitter.com/xKusCstoza— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) February 23, 2024
In 17 games for the Steelers this past season, Watt accumulated 68 tackles (19 for a loss), 50 pressures, 36 QB hits, 19 sacks, eight pass deflections, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown), and one interception.
Compare this to Garrett, who, in 16 appearances for Cleveland in 2023, finished with 42 tackles (17 for a loss), 37 pressures, 30 QB hits, 14 sacks, four forced fumbles, three pass deflections, and one fumble recovery.
Looking strictly at the numbers, it’s not hard to understand why some might have a problem with Garrett getting the nod over Watt for the 2023 season’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
However, it’s not like Garrett played terribly in 2023, either.
His numbers are still very impressive, and they were also good enough for the Cleveland pass rusher to earn the third First-Team All-Pro selection of his career.
So it was still a good choice by the voters, regardless of how many people disagreed with their decision.
The post T.J. Watt Breaks Silence On Losing DPOY Award appeared first on The Cold Wire.