The Pittsburgh Steelers Have Found Their Batman And Robin
One thing we knew for certain coming into this season and many before it: TJ Watt is that dude. His ability to take over games in the biggest moment has been on display for us to see for years now, and he’s been doing it this year too. The Steelers finally found the Robin to Watt’s Batman in Alex Highsmith.
Many football fans, Steelers fans included were skeptical of the contract the Steelers gave to Highsmith when they inked him to a new four-year, 68 Million dollar deal on July 19, giving Highsmith over $27 million guaranteed. Looking back on it now? The Steelers got a good deal. Highsmith has been a key part of a couple of Steelers wins this season and is the perfect sidekick to TJ Watt.
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Watt Eyeing Second DPOY
During the offseason, former Colts Punter and current media superstar Pat McAfee promised Watt if he broke his sack record, McAfee would donate $500,000 to a charity of Watt’s choice. Bad news Pat, TJ Watt currently leads the league in sacks with eight and is on pace to register around 27 sacks if everything goes well. This would shatter the record held by Watt and Michael Strahan of 22.5 sacks in a season and one lucky charity would be getting a gracious donation from the Pittsburgh native McAfee.
Watt has also found a way to chip in other than his crazy sack total. He’s registered seven tackles for loss this season to go with his eight sacks. He’s also forced two fumbles and recovered three of them, even taking one in for a touchdown to beat the Browns in primetime. TJ loves playing the Browns. He gets up for all the divisional games, but especially the Browns.
Highsmith Emerging As A Star For The Steelers
The kid from North Carolina who grew up with aspirations of being an NFL Star might be making those dreams come true this season, as he is emerging as one of the best secondary edge rushers in the league. Highsmith has managed to get 23 pressures this year to go with his two sacks and six quarterback hits. In comparison, Watt has 27 pressures. Highsmith has also registered his touchdown in the form of a pick-six on Deshaun Watson, along with registering two forced fumbles, both picked up by Watt. These boys are getting after the quarterback, potentially the mask for the average Steelers secondary.
Highsmith has been a force to be reckoned with since arriving on the scene in 2020 when the Steelers picked him in the third round. Never in anyone’s wildest dreams would he be this much of an X Factor on the rugged Steelers defense. Even the Steelers depth pieces at the edge are good this season, potentially a reason Watt and Highsmith are in such a groove.
Help Is On The Way
Although they are looking fine without him, at some point the Steelers will get to add the legend himself Cam Heyward back into the lineup. A guy who will certainly be a key contributor in helping clean up the run defense. Keeanu Benton has been great in his limited role as a rookie, but Heyward is top of his position throughout the league and could make this defensive font lethal if he comes back ready to go somewhere around week 10. It’s going to be a movie that Steelers fans can’t wait to watch.
Another bright spot for this Steelers defense? Coming out of the bye week they get to face Matt Stafford, Ryan Tannehill, Jordan Love, and Deshaun Watson. They also get to face the likes of former Steeler Josh Dobbs, Mac Jones, whoever the Colts have healthy, and Geno Smith. This defense can be a huge player for the Steelers down the stretch.
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