In a surprising turn of events, longtime NFL insider Peter King ignited a debate by casting his vote for Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett over Pittsburgh Steelers' T.J. Watt for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. Citing Pro Football Focus' grades as his reasoning, King's decision has garnered mixed reactions across Steelers Nation.

Joining the chorus of supporters favoring Garrett for the prestigious honor is Rich Eisen of the NFL Network. While not part of the Associated Press panel like King, Eisen believes that Garrett is the most deserving candidate. Surprisingly, Eisen even placed Las Vegas Raiders' Maxx Crosby ahead of Watt as his runner-up choice.

Acknowledging Watt's exceptional performance, Eisen's rationale revolves around Garrett's dominance in advanced pass-rush metrics embraced by Pro Football Focus and others. Despite this, many argue that Watt's superior numbers in various statistical categories make him the rightful frontrunner.

Watt's 19 sacks in the 2023 season, the highest in the league, surpass Garrett's 14 sacks. The Steelers' standout also outperformed Garrett in tackles, with 68 compared to Garrett's 42, as well as tackles for loss (19 to Garrett's 17) and quarterback hits (36 to Garrett's 30). Watt's three fumble recoveries, including a game-sealing defensive touchdown in a crucial Week 2 matchup against the Browns, further solidify his case.

Furthermore, Watt's versatility was on full display as he excelled in coverage, breaking up eight passes and intercepting a ball that he returned deep into enemy territory to set up a Steelers touchdown. In comparison, Garrett managed three passes defended.

The Associated Press has recognized Watt as one of the five finalists for the Defensive Player of the Year Award, alongside Garrett, Crosby, Dallas Cowboys' Micah Parsons, and Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland. Additionally, Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is a contender for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, along with other promising rookies from the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.

While the debate surrounding the award intensifies, the NFL Honors Award ceremony on February 8 at the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas will ultimately reveal the winners. Will Watt's outstanding numbers be enough to secure him the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year title, or will the minority favoring Garrett's advanced metrics perspective prevail? Football enthusiasts eagerly await the grand announcement.