The NFL MVP award typically goes to the best quarterback on the best team. This is unfortunate because there are many other candidates that absolutely define value to their teams. One of those players is Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt. Pro Football Focus put out a remarkable stat on Twitter that perfectly encapsulates why Watt should be in contention for league MVP this season and frankly every season.
According to PFF, when Watt plays more than 50 percent of the snaps in a game, the Steelers are 17-5 going back to the start of the 2021 season. When he plays fewer than 50 percent of the snaps, the team is only 1-10-1. If you want to define value, this is it.
And keep in mind, Watt didn’t have a great 2022 season, putting aside the injuries. Watt missed seven games with a torn pectoral but his regular production even when healthy was not up to his previous standards. But what Watt did prove is just how much his presence makes everyone around him better. Look no further than outside linebacker Alex Highsmith. Highsmith had a career-high 14.5 sacks, 11 of which came in 10 games when Watt played. In the seven he missed, Highsmith only had 3.5.
The Steelers since 2021:
• When TJ Watt plays at least 50% of the defensive snaps: 17-5
• When TJ Watt plays less than 50% of the defensive snaps: 1-10-1
Definition of "valuable." pic.twitter.com/BPDlLX8pDS
— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) January 12, 2023
