Steelers' TJ Watt Victim Of Media Bias On NFL Network Ahead Of Final Defensive Player Of The Year Vote

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a lot of bad things happen as a team in the midst of a four-game losing streak. One of the biggest developments was not only losing out on the AFC North crown, but also falling to the sixth seed in the AFC. The franchise will have to travel and play the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round, and it is currently the most lopsided game per the betting markets.

While the guys in the locker room will preach that football is a team game, Defensive Player of the Year candidate TJ Watt also might lose out on the award because of the poor stretch by the team. He had a phenomenal game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but went the final three contests without a sack. He was the favorite to take home the league's highest defensive honor for the majority of the season, but as the playoffs begin and voting wraps up, Pat Surtain II is likely to win.

Throughout the season, the media has the opportunity each day to influence public narrative around any number of topics pertaining to the NFL. Many believe that the only reason Myles Garrett won the honor after the 2023 season was because of Pro Football Focus analytical stats such as pass rush win rate. Unfortunately for Watt, the media is at it again ahead of the 2024 vote.

Surtain joined The Insiders on Tuesday evening with Mike Garafolo and Judy Battista for an interview ahead of the Denver Broncos' playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. At the end of the segment, Garafolo was parting ways with Surtain and basically endorsed him over Watt.

"I'm excited for the opportunity for you. Fired up for you. Thank you for joining us here," Garafolo began. "The ballots are not due until Wednesday so for all those votes still going out there, awards, ballots, watching us right now, when you get to the DPOY, give a little consideration."

Garafolo said this while bobbing his head in the direction of Surtain on the screen. Overall, several of the Associated Press voters won't end up seeing this clip, but the expectation should remain the same. Clearly advocating for someone simply because he agreed to an interview and endorsing him for an award came off an extremely unprofessional in the moment.

Surtain has been a lockdown corner for the Broncos, and deserves consideration with his four interceptions. Watt had 11.5 sacks and led the league in forced fumbles with six. Just a few weeks ago, he was the unquestioned favorite to earn his second DPOY trophy, but things changed drastically amid the Steelers' bad losing streak to end the campaign.

Watt added 27 quarterback hits, but it appears he will fall short and come in second place for the third time in his career. This will infuriate Steelers fans that are constantly calling for voters to give Watt the honor for a second time. Everyone is aware that Watt himself was upset a year ago when Garrett ended up walking on stage to accept the award.

Time will tell, but it surely seems as if Surtain will win the award and Watt will be snubbed. It wasn't necessarily Garafolo's words that were too bias to start, but as he went on, the clear indication that he was supporting the narrative that Surtain should win was uncalled for.

Steelers' Watt Won't Care About Awards If He Can Do Something He's Never Done

Watt has shockingly never won a playoff game during his time in the Steel City. He was drafted in 2017, and Pittsburgh's last victory in the postseason came during the 2016 campaign. Watt has consistently said that he wants to have success in the playoffs, so awards will mean absolutely nothing to him if the team can upset the Ravens on Saturday.

Do you think Garafolo's comments and actions were too bias? Let us know in the comments below!

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