The 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers lacked one thing: consistency. The offense lacked the ability to continue to move the ball on opposing defenses and the Steelers defense struggled mightily to stop the run. Although it seemed like the whole team lacked consistency, there was one player who was a consistent star. T.J. Watt.
Watt, who also missed two games due to a groin injury, recorded an NFL record 22.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles, going on to win the 2021 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Although the stats that Watt recorded last season were simply incredible and not something fans ordinarily see every season, I believe Watt has the potential to surpass his accomplishments from last season in 2022.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, T.J. Watt (#90) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback, Tyler Huntley (#2). | Getty Images
The injury bug meets the Steelers defense
The Steelers defense last year battled injuries early in the season and this led to added pressure on the front seven to get to the quarterback. Alex Highsmith saw a significant increase in playing time in 2021 and this transitioned to huge improvement in his stat line. Highsmith saw a significant increase in the tackle for loss category, quarterback hits, and recording 6 sacks. I would expect year three for Highsmith to be the best one yet.
The Steelers adding free agent Myles Jack to the linebacking core, Tyson Alualu returning from injury, and having Cam Heyward seemingly age backwards and become one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL, will give the edge rushers Watt and Highsmith more one on one opportunities and chances to get into the opponents' backfield.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Alex Highsmith (#56) chases down Cleveland Browns quarterback, Baker Mayfield (#6). | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
Brining in former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores will give the linebackers a new look and will give Devin Bush an opportunity to have a bounce back season after not playing up to his full protentional last season. Flores also was the linebackers coach under Bill Belichick for the New England Patriots in 2017 and 2018, where the Patriots were in the top 10 in total defense both of those seasons. There will be some bugs to work out during OTA's and training camp, but I expect to see Watt and Highsmith take even bigger strides while working with Flores.
It has been some time since the Steelers had a true dominant duo in the pass rush category and I expect that to change this season and Steeler fans see one of the best pass rushing duo's in the NFL. Although, we did see a glimpse of what Watt and Bud Dupree could do together before Dupree left the Steelers and signed with the Tennessee Titans last off-season. I expect Watt and Highsmith to surpass that with ease considering how much better this defense will be all around and considering how young both Watt and Highsmith still are. My personal prediction is that we will see something along the lines of a James Harrison and Lamar Woodley duo from the 2000's. I will never forget watching them as a young Steelers fan and seeing them terrorize the opponents' quarterbacks and getting pressure seemingly every play, and now I am looking forward to seeing Watt and Highsmith bring something similar back the the Steelers defense once again.
What are your thoughts on the young edge rushing duo the Steelers have? Do you think it has the chance to become one of the most dominant in the NFL? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!
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