The Pittsburgh Steelers are going into their 2023 Wild Card contest against the Buffalo Bills more shorthanded than they would like. Despite coming away from a close Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens with a win, they lost TJ Watt for at least one game with a knee sprain. While Pittsburgh won't have their former Defensive Player of the Year on the field for Sunday's Wild Card game, Buffalo's Josh Allen isn't overlooking the Steelers' defense by at means.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt is irreplaceable, but the Steelers have been forced to design contingency plans due to unfortunate injuries.
Steelers' Defense Will Be Missing Key Pieces, But Not Lacking Inspiration
It was a mixed bag following the Steelers' Week 18 AFC North victory over the Ravens. On one hand, it had helped Pittsburgh propel themselves into a Wild Card spot and earn themselves a playoff game, but in the process, Watt went down with a friendly-fire knee injury.
Watt isn't just the best defensive player on the Steelers; he has proven yet again throughout the 2023 regular season that he should rightfully be named the Defensive Player of the Year for a second time. That is a significant loss for a defense that will be going up against a fiery Allen in what is expected to be a snowy, cold game. Allen doesn't see the Pittsburgh defense as handcuffed or limited in Watt's absence however, and according to Alex Brasky, an editor for Bills Digest, Allen still recognizes the ability that they will be fielding on Sunday.
“They’re playing at a very high level right now. They ruled TJ Watt out, but that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear. They have one of [the] best defensive lines in the league… We’re going to have our hands full.”
That is a very smart move by Allen, but he would be well served to remember that it isn't just Pittsburgh's defensive line that can cause chaos. The duo of Nick Herbig and Markus Golden will be tasked with creating the closest thing to a Watt-like impact as they can, and from what we've seen in 2023, that could be a sight to see. Herbig, a rookie defender, has been open about crafting his game after Watt and is looking forward to showing what he can do when the pressure is the highest.
As inspired as they will be on Sunday, Golden and Herbig know that Watt isn't a replaceable player. It won't be about making the Bills' offense believe they are facing Watt, it's about getting Buffalo to fear seeing Golden and Herbig staring them down.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig (51) has shown nothing but tenacity, inspired play, and talent throughout his rookie campaign.
Steelers Could Flourish In Rough Environment
Nothing about the 2023 Steelers' season has been easy; every bit has been earned, and many are still surprised that Pittsburgh finds themselves in a Wild Card spot in the first place. With wintery conditions predicted for Sunday's playoff game in Buffalo, the trend of nothing being easy will continue. Although, considering the renewed energy and fire in how the Steelers won their final three games of the 2023 regular season, coming into a hostile, cold situation might be just what Pittsburgh needs.
In a particularly wet and sloppy Week 18 game against the Ravens, Najee Harris lifted the team onto his shoulders. He produced his second consecutive 100-yard game and surpassed the 1,000 rushing yards plateau for the third straight season to begin his career. It was as though the harsh conditions actually pushed Harris to perform, and he certainly answered the call.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) has been a welcomed surprise in 2023, as well a productive compliment to Najee Harris.
With Jaylen Warren unexpectedly struggling with ball security, the Steelers may have to lean on Harris for another bad-weather game, depending on what Sunday afternoon brings. Whether it is sleet, snow, rain, or sun, the Steelers will go into Buffalo fully ready and believing that 2023 could end up being their year. The defense has rallied around their injured star defender, and the offense will be looking to bring the same confidence, even if Allen believes he is ready for the Steelers.
If there is anything consistent about the 2023 Steelers, it is their ability to surprise everyone at any time. That could be dropping three straight games and nearly missing out on the playoffs, or pulling together a wild three-game winning streak to earn the Wild Card spot. You can be sure that the Steelers will leave everything on the field on Sunday. The only question is what kind of performance will they end up turning in?
What are your thoughts on Allen's remarks about the Steelers' defense? What are you expecting come Sunday? Comment below!
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