The timing of Highsmith’s injury is particularly unfortunate given the Steelers’ playoff aspirations.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans are bracing for another difficult stretch as the team’s star edge rusher, Alex Highsmith, faces
the prospect of a multi-week absence due to injury. Already sidelined for three games earlier this season,
Highsmith’s latest setback could deal a significant blow to a Steelers defense that has relied heavily on his ability to
pressure the quarterback. With the 2023 season hitting its mid-point, the question on everyone’s mind is: How will
Pittsburgh cope without one of their most crucial defensive players?
Highsmith, who emerged as one of the NFL’s most promising young pass rushers in recent years, has been a
cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense. Paired with veteran linebacker T.J. Watt, Highsmith forms one of the most
formidable pass-rushing duos in the league, creating havoc for opposing quarterbacks. His ability to disrupt plays,
pressure the quarterback, and record sacks has made him indispensable to the Steelers’ defensive schemes.
The Impact of Highsmith’s Absence.
The news of Highsmith’s injury comes at a critical time for the Steelers, who are in the midst of a highly competitive
AFC North race. The team’s defense, which has been one of the strengths of the squad, has already been asked to
carry much of the load this season. With Highsmith out, the Steelers will now have to lean even more heavily on their
defensive unit, especially Watt, to fill the void left by his absence.
Highsmith’s injury is particularly concerning given that he had already missed three games earlier in the season due
to a previous issue. While his return was anticipated as a boost to the team’s pass rush, the ongoing setbacks have
forced the Steelers’ coaching staff to rethink their approach. Without Highsmith, the Steelers may struggle to apply
consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which could lead to greater difficulties in containing high-powered
offenses.
A Defense in Need of Reinforcements.
In Highsmith’s absence, the Steelers will need others to step up. While T.J. Watt remains the standout player on the
defense, opposing offenses will undoubtedly focus their efforts on neutralizing his impact. If Watt is consistently
double-teamed, as has often been the case in the past, the Steelers will need other players to generate pressure. The
team’s depth at outside linebacker and defensive line will be tested, and young players like Markus Golden and
rookie Nick Herbig will likely be called upon to contribute.
Golden, who was signed in the offseason, has provided some pass-rush production in limited opportunities, but he
has not been able to replicate Highsmith’s level of consistency. Herbig, a promising rookie, will be thrust into a larger
role as the coaching staff looks for any spark to maintain their defensive pressure. The Steelers may also explore
different defensive schemes, including more blitz packages or creative alignments, to mitigate the absence of
Highsmith.
The loss of Highsmith also puts additional pressure on the defensive line to step up and help generate pressure up
the middle. Defensive tackles like Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi will need to be more disruptive to help
create a push, forcing quarterbacks to step into the pocket where Watt and other linebackers can finish the job.
The Bigger Picture: Playoff Implications.
The timing of Highsmith’s injury is particularly unfortunate given the Steelers’ playoff aspirations. Sitting at a crucial
juncture of the season, Pittsburgh cannot afford to lose ground in the competitive AFC North, where every win is
vital for playoff positioning. A weakened pass rush could allow divisional rivals such as the Baltimore Ravens and
Cleveland Browns to take advantage of any defensive lapses, potentially turning the Steelers’ promising season into a
missed opportunity.
It’s also worth considering the long-term implications of Highsmith’s injury. If his absence extends into several
weeks, it could have a ripple effect on the team’s overall defensive performance. The Steelers have a tough schedule
ahead, with key matchups against high-powered offenses. Their ability to contain quarterbacks and disrupt passing
lanes could determine whether they make a run for the playoffs or falter in a highly competitive AFC.
Looking Ahead: Will the Steelers Adjust?
As the Steelers prepare for the tough road ahead, head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin
will have to get creative with their game plans. They may need to adopt more blitz-heavy strategies or deploy their
defensive personnel in more unpredictable ways. Pittsburgh’s defense has long been known for its “Steel Curtain”
mentality, and while the absence of Highsmith is undoubtedly a setback, it will be up to the rest of the defense to rise
to the occasion.
Ultimately, the Steelers’ success without Highsmith will depend on how well they can maintain their defensive
identity, despite the loss of one of their most important players. Pittsburgh’s ability to adjust and find ways to
generate pressure without Highsmith could define their season, and their playoff hopes may hinge on the next few
weeks of defensive performance.
