Steelers' Alex Highsmith Knows What's On The Line Entering Savage Rivalry Against Raiders Ahead of Week 16

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Alex Highsmith was able to increase his sack total this week and continue to contribute to an incredible season so far. He finished with 3 tackles, 1 assist, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. He spoke out about the defense's performance overall as well as the excitement over playing the Las Vegas Raiders is next.

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Steelers Defense Made Highsmith's Homecoming Exceptional

There was much talk online last week, and from commentators during the game, about Highsmith having a homecoming of sorts. Highsmith is originally from Wilmington, NC, and attended the University of North Carolina - Charlotte. He had many family and friends in the audience who came to cheer him on. Highsmith is having a Pro Bowl-worthy season this year with 51 tackles, 11 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.

Highsmith spoke to the media Monday about how well the unit performed against the Panthers on Sunday. He said that the whole defense knew that stopping the run was going to be critical. The Panthers have been improving steadily, since terminating head coach Matt Rhule, and a large part of what has helped is them improving their run game.

There was much talk about Carolina's new and improved running package, it is something the Steelers haven't faced before and that had some people concerned. This concern felt valid considering the Steelers seemed to be unable to stop even the most obvious runs from the Baltimore Ravens the week before. The Panthers use what they call the "Arby's package" which has been implemented by their interim head coach Steve Wilks. The package gained its moniker for both the size of their linemen, joking "we've got the meat," and the fact that they use more jumbo packages than most other teams.

Highsmith had this to say:

"We knew to win the game we had to do that [stop the run]. Last couple of weeks, we had some struggles. We set the tone early with stopping the run."

He added that the defense was able to mix it up, using a variety of different plays which threw in "Helter Skelter." Highsmith also praised the offense and the amount of time they allowed the defense to rest, saying it was more helpful than can be imagined. He said the 21-play drive was the longest he had personally ever witnessed. "Shout out to them," because that gave the defense a lot of momentum.

The Steelers were able to close Arby's for the day. They held Carolina to only 21 total rushing yardage and 209 total yards of offense. The Panthers were only able to convert 4 out of 11 3rd downs and allowed 4 sacks.

Steelers' Highsmith on Playing the Raiders

Highsmith was also asked about playing the Raiders this week:

"If' you're a competitor, this is a competitiors's game. We're both fighting for our playoff lives. We've just got to continue to fight, and it's gonna be a fun matchup."

This game marks the 50th anniversary of the "Immaculate Reception," perhaps the most well known play in NFL history. The game, which is in Pittsburgh, carries a little extra meaning.

Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

While many of the younger fans don't remember it, the Raiders were one of the Steelers biggest rivals in the 1970's. The Raiders lead the series all-time 17-13 and have won the last two matches.

While the Steelers are still mathematically able to make the playoffs, it seems like a long shot at best. However, the goal of this season needs to continue to be a focus on improving. While Highsmith is having the best season of his career, the other young players need to continue to grow and develop. Hopefully the progress we are seeing is an indication of continuing to refine and hone the skills and the play-calling.

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