PITTSBURGH — The Steelers have relied upon star edge rusher T.J. Watt for much of his career. Meanwhile, he has had a few talented sidekicks in Pittsburgh, from Bud Dupree to others. But Alex Highsmith is the best of those sidekicks. Coming off a 14.5 sack season, it was up to Highsmith to prove his contract was deserved and that this was no fluke. So far, he’s done just that. Despite having just two sacks, both were critical forced fumbles recovered by Watt.
But his game against the Ravens was more than just an ordinary game. Against standout left tackle Ronnie Stanley, Highsmith dominated all afternoon. He registered 11 pressures, tied for the highest amount in a game this season. Moreover, Highsmith has 30 pressures on the season, which is tied for the most in the NFL. It’s clear that Highsmith is not just playing well; he’s taking his game to another level. The rivalry style got Highsmith excited to play at his best.
“This is Steelers-Ravens, man,” Highsmith said. “It’s the best rivalry in the NFL. It’s something that about around these guys today because we were playing with a lot of emotion, a lot of swag. It’s a good win today.”
The story of Alex Highsmith and his story is a fascinating one. He came in unrecruited to Charlotte, and now, he is playing like a star in the NFL. His arsenal of pass-rush moves has expanded dramatically as his career continues. Even to the point now where Highsmith has all of the tools to win in different ways. That includes power, counters, inside, outside, bend, speed, you name it, Highsmith has it.
Now, add that Highsmith was questionable coming into the game with a groin injury. Highsmith suffered the injury in the team’s padded practice on Wednesday. It’s rare to see a position based so much on that explosiveness seem wholly unaffected. But Highsmith still trudged along, and even with adversity put up a fantastic game, aiding Pittsburgh in their 17-10 win.
