J.J. Watt has been named the Associated Press' 2012 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Watt was a near unanimous selection with 49 of a possible 50 votes. He finished first in the NFL with 20.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss, and obliterated the unofficial records for batted passes (16) and defeats (56). He also led the league in tackles for loss (22), had 76 QB disruptions, and posted a defensive stop on 17.2 percent of his snaps. Texans DC Wade Phillips insists Watt's 2012 season was the "absolute best" of any defensive lineman in NFL history. Broncos linebacker Von Miller is the only other player to receive a vote for the award.
Watt was a near unanimous selection with 49 of a possible 50 votes. He finished first in the NFL with 20.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss, and obliterated the unofficial records for batted passes (16) and defeats (56). He also led the league in tackles for loss (22), had 76 QB disruptions, and posted a defensive stop on 17.2 percent of his snaps. Texans DC Wade Phillips insists Watt's 2012 season was the "absolute best" of any defensive lineman in NFL history. Broncos linebacker Von Miller is the only other player to receive a vote for the award.