Nobody has had to wake T.J. Watt up when September ends. He came out on fire.
The Steelers' outside linebacker was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for his performances in the opening three games of the season, helping the Steelers to a 3-0 record.
Watt, who also won the award last November, recorded nine tackles, 3.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits two pass defenses and an interception. He's second in the league, as well, with five tackles for a loss.
Watt finished third in the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award voting in 2019 when he finished the season with 14.5 sacks two interceptions and a league-best eight forced fumbles.
He might be even better this season.
"T.J. has always been a person that was a student of the game," teammate Stephon Tuitt said. "He’s always been eager to learn and improve himself. He comes from a family that loves football, as well. What you see now is something that’s always been inside of him."