SCU Awards: Steelers Defensive Player of the Year

Steel City Underground presents the 1st annual SCU Awards. Our panel of contributors all voted on various awards for the Steelers with the player getting the most votes being the winner. Each article will have the list of nominees with one of our contributors stating their case for why that player earned their vote and deserves the award. Comment and let us know if you agree or disagree with our winners and nominees. 

A common misconception is that the Steelers have a bad defense. It’s unbelievable how many people on social media harp about how this is the worst Steelers defense in years. Sure the unit had a rough start to the season, but come mid-season the Steelers had one of the best defenses in the league.

The defensive player of the year nominees are players that represent the energy and leadership on the defense. Ryan Shazier and Mike Mitchell both bring fire to this defense with their speed and aggresive playing still, while James Harrison and Lawrence Timmons are reliable play-makers that lead this defense and are clutch.

Ryan Shazier

I chose Ryan Shazier for DPOY because he had a career year in 2016. His numbers were up in the turnover department. He notched three interceptions, three forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He was a play-making machine for the Steelers in 2016.

Shazier proved that he can be an elite player when healthy. His speed brought a spark to this defense and made teams have to game plan around him. He was a threat in coverage, run support, and he prevented rushing quarterbacks from getting big gains. Shazier’s energy, whether playing or warming up shirtless, embodies the direction this defense is heading.

– Josh Fitzer

Lawrence Timmons

I wasn’t sure who to vote for DPOY at first. I considered Ryan Shazier, Mike Mitchell, even Cam Heyward. I then decided to look at the Steelers stats and the decision became easy for me.

I chose the player who led the team in total tackles(114), had the 3rd most interceptions(2), and ranked 7th in sacks (2.5): Lawrence Timmons.

Timmons has never gotten the credit he deserves despite being the cornerstone of this defense. He’s been a leader on this defense for years and has been one of the most consistent players on this team for a long time. I think his play in 2016 made him deserve this honor.

– Eric Herrmann

James Harrison

James Harrison deserves this award for the time he puts in to maintain his top physical condition. Going straight from a 5 am flight after a win to the facility and always working out on off days are prime examples of his dedication and midset.

Stats are nice with his sacks (he is the franchise leader) but its his work ethic that truly makes him shine. At 38 years old, he shows other players what it takes to stay relevant longer in the league for more than 5 years. He is a silent mentor that lets the results speak for themselves is and award worthy for sure.

– Terry Fletcher

Mike Mitchell

Oh my goodness gracious, Mike Mitchell. When I hear his name I hear the spirit of our defense. (Assuming our spirit is the terrible towel covering our face screaming with occasional manners). Mitchell is my defensive player of the year pick.

I never see him giving up on a play, he’s either helping clean up a tackle or leaping in the air with enthusiasm. He is energized and continually ready for the next opportunity to stop, never giving up or losing hope. I think he represents what our defense is all about.

– Megan Mackenstein

Winner: Ryan Shazier (5 votes)

Runner ups: Timmons (1 vote), Harrison (1 vote), Mitchell (1 vote)

It was the year we were all expecting from Shazier, who had been labeled a breakout player over the last year or better. He may have only played in 13 games (starting 12) but Ryan Shazier’s Pro Bowl season included five interceptions (three in three straight games) plus 3.5 sacks, 9 passes defensed and 3 forced fumbles.

Vote for the SCU Fan Pick


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