Steelers' T.J. Watt Begins DPOY Campaign
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't look very good in their blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but their season opener did bring a reminder on defense - T.J. Watt is still a superstar.
After missing seven games last season, Watt finished the 2022 campaign with just 5.5 sacks. This year, he entered the year as a favorite for the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award, his second in three years.
Watt went into Week 1 with the third-highest odds to win DPOY, trailing Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons. Those odds haven't changed - yet - but they will, and after his season opener showing, he will likely climb to, or near, the top of that list.
Watt finished his first regular season game with three sacks and two forced fumbles on Brock Purdy. For comparison, when he won his first DPOY award, he started the year with a two-sack, one-forced fumble performance against the Buffalo Bills.
The Steelers have a long way to climb after their debacle in Week 1, but their defense had some good to grow from. At this point, a Super Bowl means more to Watt than any record or accolade, but if he could win another DPOY award on the way back to the postseason, chances are he'll be fine with it.
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