MVP Candidates Watch List: The Top 7 and Their Routes To The Award
By Daniel
Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) looks on during a stoppage in play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
4. J.J. Watt, DE – Houston:
Stat Line: 29 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 interception, 6 passes defended, 3 combined touchdowns.
I believe Watt has a very legitimate chance to take home the 2014 AP MVP award, becoming the first non-offensive player to do so since 1986 (Lawrence Taylor). Not only because he’s playing like a Hall of Fame inductee and dominating his position, but because he knows how to find the end zone. He’s scored three touchdowns this year. That’s right, he has as many touchdowns as Steelers starting running back Le’Veon Bell and Indianapolis Colts starting wide receiver T.Y. Hilton have combined touchdowns. Let that soak in.
Yet, it’s not his touchdowns that should get him attention for the MVP award, it’s his overall play. He’s a relentless competitor and at times unstoppable. Somewhere there’s a clever and appropriate use for the phrase ‘turn down for Watt?’ In 2014 he’s ran back a fumble and an interception for a touchdown and lined up as a tight end and hauled in a score.
He’s the most complete player in the NFL today and deserves the recognition he’s getting, but he deserves to get it from the MVP voters as well. Will he? If he continues to produce at this level how could he not receive votes as the league’s most valuable player. His value cannot be understated. His Texans are 3-4 and their record wouldn’t even be that good if it wasn’t for Watt. If he adds a couple more touchdowns this year and more than doubles his sack total he could be serious threat to steal the award from some amazing offensive players. Come on voters, put your bias against defenders away — if only for Watt.