Pittsburgh Steelers: Top 5 players from the 2019 season

1. T.J. Watt, OLB

There’s another Watt on the All-Pro team this season, and it’s not J.J. With his older brother missing time due to an injury, T.J. rose to the occasion and carried the Watt banner into battle. At this point, the 25-year-old may be better than his legendary brother, but that’s something for them to wrestle about later.

T.J. made waves in Pittsburgh during his first two seasons. In 2018, the explosive outside linebacker racked up 13 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, and six forced fumbles. He upped the ante in 2019, setting career-highs with 14.5 sacks, 36 quarterback hits, eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. He did it all for Pittsburgh.

After his career year, the Associated Press selected Watt as a First-Team All-Pro. Hopefully, the dominant edge rusher can help Pittsburgh bring its dominating pass rush into the 2020s. The Steelers led the NFL in sacks in each of the past three seasons.

Understandably, there may be some disappointment that no offensive players appeared in this article. However, no offensive players distinguished themselves enough to warrant an appearance. Diontae Johnson and James Washington showed potential as offensive weapons, but neither played like a true number one option.

Similarly, Pittsburgh’s running game and quarterbacks looked mediocre the entire season. Steelers fans will even admit that Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey played below his usual standard. David DeCastro did make his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl, but he failed to make an All-Pro team for the second year in a row.

Ultimately, even Pittsburgh’s best offensive players fall short of warranting a spot among the team’s top five, or six, players of 2019.