Steelers' Alex Highsmith Likely To Be Pittsburgh's Second Half Season Star: "Haven't Seen Nearly His Best Ball"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 9 bye week is over, and they are now preparing for the second half of the season, which starts with a tough matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 10. The Steelers surprised many by performing better than expected during the first half of the season. There were so many offensive changes, including the coordinator and the quarterbacks, that many were worried about whether the team would play balanced football. 

Despite Russell Wilson's inability to start Week 1, Justin Fields stepped up and took the team to a 4-2 record through the first six weeks. Wilson came in Week 7 and showed the fans that Head Coach Mike Tomlin knew precisely what he was doing. The Steelers struggled to get their passing game going under Fields, but Wilson has been able to spread the ball around to numerous receivers. 

The Steelers' defense hasn't performed quite at the level many expected. Against the New York Giants, they allowed their rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. to pick up 145 yards. Linebacker Patrick Queen said that he believes all the defenders are so eager to make plays that they aren't doing their job to the best of their ability. Queen believes the defenders will work on this over the bye and return better than ever. 

Jason Mackey, from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, recently joined The Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan and spoke to Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson. They discussed how the defense needs to turn it up for the second half of the season. Crowley asked Mackey, who he believes will make the biggest impact during the second half of the season, excluding TJ Watt (they said that's too cliche).     

"Alex Highsmith," said Mackey. "Is that too cliche too? I feel like we haven't seen nearly his best ball. I think he's finally getting back healthy and into form."

Alex Highsmith is in his fifth year and has steadily improved each season. When the Steelers first drafted him, many felt that the disparity between the two edge rushers would be so big that offenses could exploit it, but that hasn't been the case. 

The team felt the impact when Highsmith went down with an injury during the Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Highsmith is outstanding at sealing the edge and stopping the run, so having him healthy should improve the Steelers' run defense. Cam Sutton will be returning to the Steelers in Week 10, and Dickerson thought that perhaps he would have a bigger impact than Highsmith, but Mackey disagreed. 

"I don't think so Dorin," admitted Mackey. "I don't see it, man. I think he's gonna play, but I don't know if he's gonna make more of an impact than Alex Highsmith. Are they suddenly just going to screw Beanie Bishop to the bench? I don't see that happening. I think you probably integrate Sutton in some way. I think he helps, but I don't see a path to regular playing time."

Highsmith has played in five games this season and is on track to have another solid campaign. He already has three sacks, 19 tackles, four for a loss, and nine quarterback hits. 

Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick Is Mystifying Many

Mackey added that he has been "mystified" by the lack of splash from safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. In his seventh season, Fitzpatrick had always been one of Steel City's biggest playmakers until 2023. 

In 2022, Fitzpatrick had his best season with six interceptions. The following season, injuries caused the Steelers to shift players around, and Fitzpatrick was forced to stop playing "Minkah Ball." 

Opposing offenses likely avoid the middle of the field where he patrols. However, he has always been able to make a splash regardless. Fitzpatrick is an impact-maker; he already has 47 tackles -- just no forced turnovers. Some analysts even wonder if the Steelers will consider trading Fitzpatrick during the offseason.   

Which defender will have the biggest impact in the second half of the season? Click to comment below. 

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