For the third time in the past five seasons, Pittsburgh Steelers OLB T.J. Watt finished as a runner-up for the Defensive Player of the Year Award, this time to Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns. More than the first two, many on the outside view this decision as a snub, with a fleet of arguments.
The award faces particular scrutiny because Garrett did not hold the edge over Watt in any statistical category. Watt recorded five more sacks, 26 more tackles, two more tackles for loss, five more passes defensed, and an interception. Both forced four fumbles, but Watt recovered a fumble for a touchdown.