Steelers: Alex Highsmith just put a target on Pittsburgh’s back
Some think the Pittsburgh Steelers may be living in the past when it comes to their roster construction. A defense that has four players making $14 million or more per year, (offense only has one) it's clear Pittsburgh still believes defenses win championships. And following the words of one of their best players, they intend […]
Some think the Pittsburgh Steelers may be living in the past when it comes to their roster construction.
A defense that has four players making $14 million or more per year, (offense only has one) it's clear Pittsburgh still believes defenses win championships.
And following the words of one of their best players, they intend on proving that in 2023:
Alex Highsmith: “I Know We Can Be The Best Defense In The League”
"In terms of the defense, the Steelers have invested a lot of money on that side of the ball. Is that pressure for you guys," asked Missi Matthews of Steelers.com
"Yeah, I think it's just, you know, we just got to go out and do what we got to do," answered Highsmith. "I know we have the guys to be the best defense [in the league] this year. And so I'm just looking forward to it. It starts here in Latrobe, with our communication and then just getting the playbook down. I'm really developing that camaraderie. So I'm excited to see how we do as a unit this year. I know we're going to be special."
Here's the truth:
Pittsburgh is paying way too much and has far too much talent on the defense to be anything but the best unit in the league this year. I know there are questions about the secondary, but recent years have proven that a dominant pass rush can carry a mediocre or even sub-par secondary. (See San Francisco's recent playoff history)
And that's the challenge that Pittsburgh faces. Everyone knows that moving the ball starts by stopping the pass rushers along the defensive front. Highsmith only added fuel to that fire with his statement but he is aware of what every Steelers fan ought to know:
The success of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 is predicated on just how far the defense is willing to take them.
Steelers may have found a replacement for their rookie that just retired
Hopefully he sticks around
Featured image via: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
