Derrick’s Final 2023 Steelers Dudes & Duds: Watt Wrecks, Pickett Plummets (+)

With the 2023 season now officially in the books following the Pittsburgh Steelers playoff exit, it’s time to revisit some dudes and duds from a season-long perspective. We saw a little bit of everything this year, from expected dominance to disappointing developments. The performances from all of these players, both good and bad, help encapsulate exactly how we arrived at the conclusion of this campaign.

Dude- T.J. Watt

In 2023, the Steelers best player continued to build on his already impressive legacy as one of the best defenders to ever don the black and gold. With 19 sacks and 87 pressures on the quarterback, Watt was once again one of the most disruptive defensive players in the entire league. Regardless of whether he wins the actual Defensive Player of the Year award or not, his complete body of work is absolutely deserving of taking home that recognition. This is the type of player that makes the extraordinary look ordinary which is the classic sign of an all-time great with hopefully a few more seasons of peak play left in him.

Dud- Kenny Pickett