The Pittsburgh Steelers might have over-achieved in 2023, winning their final three games and getting the help to punch their ticket to the playoffs, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t have solid efforts by individual players. Already this offseason players like Miles Killebrew and T.J. Watt have been given accolades from the Pro Football Writers of America, but the big awards are still upcoming.

Most notably, the Associated Press (AP) awards. As was announced Thursday, two Steelers are finalists for yearly awards. They were T.J. Watt for AP Defensive Player of the Year, and Joey Porter Jr. for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

#Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, #49ers RB Christian McCaffrey & #Cowboys QB Dak Prescott are finalists for The Associated Press 2023 NFL MVP & Offensive Player of the Year awards. Brock Purdy & #Bills QB Josh Allen also MVP finalists. #Browns have finalists in 4 categories. Full list: pic.twitter.com/oeiLNykUwW

— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) January 25, 2024

.@_TJWatt has been named a finalist for AP Defensive Player of the Year & @JoeyPorterJr has been named a finalist for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

📝: https://t.co/YtgHjMyAYG pic.twitter.com/VPqFbwKhjy

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 25, 2024

The debate between Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and Watt has been ongoing for years, not just in 2023. Most feel the league is doing their best to paint Garrett the best defender in the game. Nonetheless, the statistics clearly show Watt had a better overall season, again based on the statistics.

As for Porter Jr., he has a legitimate shot at winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year based on how much he played, and how well he did in coverage vs. some of the best receivers in the game. He followed the opponent’s best receiver…as a rookie.

Will both Porter and Watt bring home some serious hardware? That will be decided at the NFL Honors ceremony on February 8th at 9pm EST on CBS, NFL Network or NFL+. Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the offseason.