Micah Parsons vehemently disagrees with those who believe T.J. Watt deserved Defensive Player of the Year over Myles Garrett, citing Garrett’s dominance despite facing consistent double teams.
Parsons took to social media to express his strong opinion on the matter, urging fans to look beyond statistics and analyze game film to understand Garrett’s true impact on the field. He emphasized that Garrett consistently faced double teams, significantly affecting opposing quarterbacks despite lower sack numbers compared to Watt. Parsons believes this impact makes Garrett the more deserving candidate for the DPOY award.
Garrett’s Impact Beyond the Box Score
While Garrett recorded 42 tackles, 14 sacks, four forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery, Parsons argued that these numbers don’t fully reflect his dominance. He pointed out that Garrett frequently drew double teams and even holding penalties, limiting his sack production but opening opportunities for teammates. A notable example is Garrett’s sack drought between weeks 11 and 15, which Parsons attributes to the increased attention he received from opposing offensive lines.
Watt’s Impressive Season
This isn’t to diminish Watt’s exceptional performance. He led the league with 19 sacks, alongside 68 tackles, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, eight passes defended, and a defensive touchdown. These impressive statistics earned him second place in the DPOY voting.
Parsons’ Perspective as a Top Defender
Parsons himself finished third in DPOY voting with 64 tackles, 14 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. His perspective as a top-tier defensive player adds significant weight to his argument, as he understands the nuances of defensive performance beyond raw statistical comparisons. He emphasized the importance of film study in evaluating defensive players, as it provides context and reveals the true impact of a player’s presence on the field.
Dominance in the Trenches: Garrett vs. Watt
Despite Watt’s statistical superiority, Parsons and many analysts believe Garrett was the more disruptive force in the trenches. His consistent pressure and ability to command double teams significantly impacted opposing offenses, even when not directly resulting in sacks. This ability to dictate offensive strategy distinguishes Garrett as a truly dominant defensive force.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the DPOY award highlights the complexities of evaluating defensive performance in the NFL. While statistics provide a valuable benchmark, Parsons argues that film study and an understanding of a player’s overall impact are crucial for a comprehensive assessment. The discussion surrounding Garrett and Watt underscores the importance of recognizing the multifaceted nature of defensive excellence in professional football.
