Steelers: How T.J. Watt's injury quietly made a positive impact
The Pittsburgh Steelers clearly missed T.J. Watt on defense during his absence so much that you could compare it with how much an offense misses its quarterback when the starter goes down. When Watt wasn't around, it was felt in every phase of defense. The QB pressure wasn't the same. Neither was the run defense. […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers clearly missed T.J. Watt on defense during his absence so much that you could compare it with how much an offense misses its quarterback when the starter goes down. When Watt wasn't around, it was felt in every phase of defense.
The QB pressure wasn't the same. Neither was the run defense. Indirectly, it even changed what the Steelers could do in the backend in coverage.
But there's one silver lining to be found about Watt's absence earlier in the season; the emergence of OLB Alex Highsmith for Pittsburgh.
Not only does Highsmith have double-digit sacks (10) for the Steelers this season – tied for 5th most in the NFL – but he's been consistently effective even in non-sack plays.
So much so that the Next Gen Stats analytics team of the league's website named Highsmith a Top 10 edge rusher this season. In a recent article, they ranked the Steelers' standout sixth best in the NFL. Here's their reasoning:
"Highsmith has played a career-high 86 percent of the Steelers’ defensive snaps this season, and the greater opportunity has led to a bigger impact on the field," reads the Next Gen Stats article.
"Highsmith has racked up 49 QB pressures this season, trailing only Myles Garrett’s 52 among players at all positions. Highsmith has twice as many sacks (10) as any other Steelers player, as he stepped into a leading role with Watt sidelined for seven games. The Steelers are 4-1 in games that both Watt and Highsmith have played in, and they will need to continue that pace if they are going to make up ground in the playoff race."
How about that 4-1 nugget? The lone Steelers' loss with both Watt and Highsmith came against the Cincinnati Bengals, one of the best teams in the league right now. Although it was a heartbreaking loss, you've got to give credit to Joe Burrow and co.
But Highsmith's impact can be felt beyond mere stats. He's been the Steelers' closer more than once this season. Just think back to the win over the Indianapolis Colts when Highsmith had a sack and a tackle for loss in the most important moment of the game.
This is not to say that Highsmith wouldn't have had a breakout without Watt missing time. But it sure has made us appreciate him more. He's an essential piece of the Steelers defense.
Featured image via Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
