PITTSBURGH — Defense wins championships. That's a universally accepted adage in every level of football. But defensive players winning the NFL's coveted Most Valuable Player award?
Not so much. Only two defensive players have won the leaguewide MVP award, an honor decided by a panel of 50 national media members selected by The Associated Press that includes writers, broadcasters, former players and coaches.
On Sunday, the rematch between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns will feature two game-changing defensive players in T.J.
Watt and Myles Garrett, who've been floated in midseason MVP discussions. Garrett and Watt are first and second in sacks this season, Garrett is tied with Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter atop the list with 11 and Watt is just behind them with 10.5.