The Pittsburgh Steelers are 6-2 through nine weeks and the current No. 3 seed in the AFC playoff picture. And now that the bye week is behind them, the Steelers will begin the second half of their season that features all six divisional games and a date with the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas day. Before then, though, let’s take a look back at the first nine weeks of the season and highlight the biggest difference-makers for the Steelers with some mid-season awards.
MVP: Edge, T.J. Watt
This is never a surprise. T.J. Watt has been the team MVP for the last three seasons since Ben Roethlisberger retired. And even though his sack numbers aren’t as high as we’ve grown accustomed to, his overall dominance remains at its peak. Ten of Watt’s 33 tackles are for a loss, and he has a league-leading four forced fumbles with two recoveries. He also has 14 hits on the quarterback to go with 6.5 sacks. We say this all the time, but it can’t be overstated – he is the best defensive player in football.
Offensive Player of the Year: RB Najee Harris
Najee Harris started off the season somewhat slow and inconsistent. Yet, over the last month, he has been one of the best running backs in football. He is coming off three consecutive 100-yard performances and is easily playing the best football of his career. The run game has been a crucial part of setting up the deep passing game, and Harris is playing his role perfectly.
Defensive Player of the Year: S DeShon Elliott
Watt would be the DPOY, but considering he is MVP, DeShon Elliott deserves some recognition. In terms of versatile safety play, Elliott has been one of the best in the league this season. He is the fourth-highest-graded safety against the run, per PFF, while also leading the team with 58 tackles. In terms of free-agent signings around the league, he has been one of the best.
Rookie of the Year: C Zach Frazier
It didn’t take long at all for rookie Zach Frazier to become a legitimate top-10 center in football. His ability to clear lanes has helped the Steelers become more dominant in the trenches. He’s also prevented interior pass rushers from getting to the quarterback all year. The Steelers have their franchise center.
Most Improved Player: WR Calvin Austin III
Calvin Austin has cemented himself as a real utility player in the Steelers offense. He only has 14 catches, but that already puts him just three catches behind his total from 2023. He also has three total scores on the year. From being a reliable threat to pop off a big play on offense, to being a true return ace, Austin has improved tremendously and found a role for himself.
Comeback Player of the Year: QBs Justin Fields and Russell Wilson
Both quarterbacks have bounced back in a big way for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Justin Fields started the first six games, tallying 10 total touchdowns to just one interception as the Steelers jumped out to a 4-2 start.
Russell Wilson then came in and looked like the vintage quarterback we haven’t seen in years. Wilson has thrown for 271 yards per game and three scores while helping the Pittsburgh Steelers become one of the top offenses in the league. There were plenty of people who were skeptical about the approach to the quarterback position the Steelers took, but it has worked and they are reaping the rewards.
