The NFL playoffs are in full swing and unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Steelers are home watching. The Steelers ended the season 8-8 and will need to take some time this offseason to sort out how to get back to the playoffs after a now two-season absence.
But we are here to talk about some positives. Namely, our end of the season awards. Here are our winners.
Team MVP-LB T.J. Watt. I can’t imagine how bad this team would have been this season if not for Watt. He’s not only a top candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, but he’s also a first-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl.
Offensive Player of the Year-WR Diontae Johnson. Kind of scary the Steelers offense was so underwhelming a rookie wide receiver gets the nod. But honestly, there was no player who produced more consistently than Johnson. Johnson led the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Defensive Player of the Year-LB T.J. Watt. We have to go back to Watt here. I know it’s clever to give it to another position and if we did safety Minkah Fitzpatrick or linebacker Bud Dupree would both be great candidates. But if we just want the best defensive player over the course of the entire season, it’s Watt.
Special Teams Player of the Year-K Chris Boswell. It was great to have good Boz back in 2019. Boswell hit 29-of-31 field goal tries and didn’t miss a single extra-point try. If the Steelers offense hadn’t been so bad, Boswell might have had an All-Pro caliber season.
Comeback Player of the Year-K Chris Boswell. We are back to Boz for this one. After a season that could have cost him his job in 2018, the Steelers stuck by him and it really paid off.
Rookie of the Year-WR Diontae Johnson. Yep, when you are the best offensive player on the team and a rookie it makes sense you’d be the top rookie as well. I suppose you could make a case for linebacker Devin Bush here but Johnson was so dynamic and vital to the offense, he gets the nod.