Fansided

NFL Week 8 Storylines: Manning Is Historic, Cowboys Roll, Cutler Stinks

By Ryan Phillips

Oct 19, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat New York 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat New York 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) looks on during a stoppage in play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) looks on during a stoppage in play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

2. J.J. Watt is your MVP

Despite the fact that the Houston Texans dropped their Monday night matchup to the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-23, J.J. Watt dominated once again. The NFL’s best player put his stamp on the game by repeatedly blowing up Pittsburgh’s offensive line. He finished the night with one sack and a fumble recovery, but was disruptive for 60 minutes.

Watt absolutely abused third-year tackle Kevin Beachum on this play to notch a sack. Then, on this play, he just blows by guard David DeCastro and recovers a Ben Roethlisberger fumble. It’s silly how much better Watt is than anyone he’s up against.

So far this season, Watt has five sacks, six passes broken up, three fumble recoveries (one he returned for a touchdown), an interception returned for a touchdown and a receiving touchdown.

The Texans look like a mess, are heading downhill fast at 3-4, and the team’s defense isn’t even good. Despite all of that, Watt shows up every week and dominates. At this point, seeing Watt lined up at defensive end is as terrifying for opposing offensive linemen as Omar Little whistling was to Baltimore drug dealers. Right now, the guy is as dominant as any defensive player since Lawrence Taylor.

Watt may not wind up winning the MVP award because it’s much harder for a defensive player to stand out during games. But he has to be the leader in the race right now, followed by Manning, Philip Rivers, Aaron Rodgers and DeMarco Murray.

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