Could This Be Another DPOY Season For T.J. Watt?

The last time T.J. Watt was in the middle of contract talks, he didn’t let it slow him down. The deal wasn’t finalized until the week of the season opener against the Buffalo Bills, but when Sunday came, Watt showed up in a big way. He recorded two sacks and a forced fumble to help the Steelers take down Buffalo, then went on to total 22.5 sacks that season, really 23.5 if you ask me, and took home the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

Now here we are again. Another contract negotiation, another year full of expectations. So the question is, can Watt do it again?

I believe he can, and not just because of his talent. This time, it’s also about the team the Steelers are building around him.

Front Seven Help

The Steelers added two defensive linemen in this year’s draft, selecting Derrick Harmon in the first round and Yahya Black in the fifth. They’ll join a group that already includes Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and others, giving Pittsburgh a much deeper rotation.

Heyward is getting older, but he can still produce at a very high level. With more depth, he won’t need to be on the field as much as in years past, which should help him stay fresh and be more efficient. There’s a noticeable difference when Heyward isn’t out there, but first-round pick Derrick Harmon was brought in to help alleviate that drop-off.

Along with the defensive lineman, the Steelers drafted OLB Jack Sawyer in the fourth round. Sawyer will be able to take some pressure off Watt and Highsmith, especially on run downs. Back up OLB Nick Herbig is a menace coming off the edge as a pass rusher but he can be a liability against the run, adding Sawyer provides a player who can hopefully solve that problem.

A better rotation in all positions means more energy and effort from everyone, and that should open up more chances for Watt to make plays.

Secondary Changes

Losing Minkah Fitzpatrick definitely hurts, but the Steelers didn’t let him walk without making moves in return. They traded for Jalen Ramsey, who may not be the complete shutdown corner he once was, but is still one of the best in the league. Ramsey arrives as an experienced, physical, and extremely versatile defender. He gives this defense a three-headed monster at cornerback that the Steelers haven’t had in a long time.

Along with Ramsey, Pittsburgh signed Darius Slay and Juan Thornhill, and extended DeShon Elliott, giving the secondary a much-needed facelift.

This group gives the Steelers a lot more flexibility in coverage. Joey Porter Jr. and Ramsey offer high-end press-man ability, while Slay, although not as physical in press, is still a very productive man-coverage corner. With more corners capable of playing tight coverage, they’ll be able to take away the quick throws that opposing quarterbacks have used to neutralize the Steelers’ pass rush in recent years. And Juan Thornhill, when healthy provides high end play at the safety position.

Ramsey’s versatility is a huge bonus. He can play in the slot, a position where Pittsburgh has struggled since the days of Mike Hilton and Cam Sutton. With Slay and Porter Jr. on the outside and Ramsey in the slot, quarterbacks won’t have those easy outlets to get rid of the football quickly when the pass rush is coming. And when those short routes aren’t there, quarterbacks have to hold the ball just a little longer, and that’s all T.J. Watt needs.

It All Adds Up

We’ve seen it before. Watt is often just one step away from a sack. With an improved defensive line maintaining pressure and a retooled secondary that can actually hold up in coverage, those “almosts” could turn into T.J. Watt high kicks, if you know, you know.

So, do I think he can win another Defensive Player of the Year award? With everything lining up the way it is, it honestly wouldn’t be a surprise at all. Watt first has to put pen to paper, then its game on!

Continue to check out The Steel Curtain Network for Steelers news and updates. Follow me on X @CGillis2021

Stay blessed and stay positive… “Here We Go.”