The Houston Texans may not even make the postseason, but that doesn't mean they couldn't conceivably have the league's Most Valuable Player on their team. His teammates have noted defensive end J.J. Watt is more deserving of the award than anyone, including Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Texans back J.J. Watt for MVP
Houston players believe Watt impacts the game more than anyone, even the league’s best quarterback.
Watt is in the midst of an incredible year. His 11.5 sacks rank fifth in the NFL despite playing a non-traditional pass rush position. His eight batted passes are most by a defensive lineman in the league. Watt also leads 3-4 defensive ends in total pressures with 79, as measured by Pro Football Focus, over twice as much as the next-highest total. Throw in the fact he caught his third touchdown of the season Sunday and it’s easy to understand why the Texans think Watt should become the first defensive player to win the MVP since Lawrence Taylor in 1986.
"Aaron Rodgers doesn't sack quarterbacks, catch touchdowns and throw touchdowns," quipped Houston receiver DeAndre Hopkins via the Houston Chronicle. "J.J.'s multi-talented. When's the last time you've seen a defensive end have as many touchdowns or make the kinds of catches he's made?"
Still, the Texans might have a hard time convincing the MVP voters that Watt is a better candidate than Aaron Rodgers. The Packers’ quarterback has produced insane numbers, throwing 32 touchdowns against a paltry three interceptions this year. Rodgers is also completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,325 yards and a league leading passer rating of 118.6. Perhaps as important in the eyes of the voters, Rodgers’ best games this season have come against Green Bay’s best competition. Against one of the league’s best secondaries on Sunday, he threw for nearly 300 yards in the first half alone. Rodgers’ team is also in far better position to qualify for the playoffs, something that the voters factor into their decisions.
Even if Watt can’t overtake Rodgers in the MVP race, it’s still worthwhile to appreciate his great season. In the annals of NFL history, there really is no precedent for what he is doing from the 3-4 defensive end position. Except of course for his similarly ridiculous 2012 campaign.
★★★
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