Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt has been named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Month for November, the league announced on Thursday.
Watt, 25, is in his third season with the Steelers. In four games in November, he recorded 5.5 sacks, 14 tackles, four tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits and forced two fumbles.
The 2017 first-round draft pick has 12.5 sacks through 12 games on the 2019 season, one off his career high, to go along with 39 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 28 quarterback hits, five passes defended, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and an interception.
His 12.5 sacks are fourth in the NFL, behind Tampa Bay’s Shaquil Barrett (14.5). His 18 tackles for a loss are second to Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (20).
Coming off his first Pro Bowl season in 2018, Watt is among the voting leaders to repeat as a Pro Bowler this season and is in significant consideration as the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year.
His biggest campaign spokesman in that regard has been brother J.J. Watt, who won the award in 2012, 2013 and 2015.
SACKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!
DPOY!!!!!!@_TJWatt
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 1, 2019