The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves the long-term answer to OLB opposite T.J. Watt. Alex Highsmith has been nothing short of spectacular in his third season, leading the team in sacks and putting himself in the Top 5 in the NFL in sacks.
And people are noticing. Former players, coaches, the media and the fans are taking appreciation for the development that Alex Highsmith has shown this season. With Watt back in the fold, the duo is scarier than ever.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 20: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers sack Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium on November 20, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
One of these former players includes former Steelers safety Ike Taylor, who made some interesting comparisons to Highsmith's game on his podcast with Mark Bergin and the Bleav Network.
Steelers Highsmith Gets Neat Comparison from Ike Taylor
In the podcast, Taylor and Bergin are discussing Highsmith's role opposite Watt. During that portion of the conversation, Taylor gives a very cool comparison to Highsmith's game.
"He is understanding how to play with Watt. Watt will come flying off the edge, force the quarterback to move up in the pocket, and then he can clean up. It is a team effort and Highsmith got better during Watt's absence," Bergin started.
"I'm going to compare this with two basketball players. You got TJ Watt, he's great, he's going 100 MPH," Taylor answered back. "What Alex Highsmith has figured out is 'I'm gonna Luka (Doncic), I'm gonna James Harden this thing. I'm gonna eurostep this thing. I'm going to slow my pace down because I know what T.J. is bringing to the table on the other side. All he's doing is setting up a trap for me.
"So I'm going to slow my pace down, not going to bullrush the offensive linemen. I'm going to create, set him up and come off the ball slow. When it is time for me to hit it, I'm going to bounce off of T.J. Watt and I'm going to get to the quarterback," Taylor said.
Steelers' TJ Watt (#90) gets ready for his return to action against the New Orleans Saints during practice in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers
Taylor finished his thoughts on the topic.
"He's mastering this style of play. He already knows what he has on the other side. Usually two people firing off the ball end up at the same level. Alex Highsmith knows since Watt comes off the ball fast, I am going to pace myself like this. I am going to walk the ball down the court and as soon as I think I got a chance, I am setting him up for this trap and I am going. Alex has figured something out over there."
It is a very cool comparison. Many of you might not watch the NBA (or maybe you do), but it makes sense. Both of these players take advantage of whatever the defense gives them and are masters at giving themselves opportunities to make an impact. This is seemingly what Alex Highsmith does at the second EDGE spot for the Steelers, especially when lined up with Watt.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 28: Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers fumble against Matt Ryan #2 of the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter in the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The Steelers are in good hands for the foreseeable future with these two rushing the quarterback. As long as both can stay healthy, they are both building blocks for the future of Pittsburgh Steelers football.
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What do you think, SteelerNation? Can you see the comparison that Ike Taylor made between Alex Highsmith and both of these superstar NBA players? Entering this offseason, do you think the Steelers will extend Highsmith to keep him around in the Steel City long term?
Let me know in the comments below or @anthonyravasio on Twitter.
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