Steelers' Alex Highsmith Uncovers Big Problem With The Defense

The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the New York Giants at home on Monday Night Football in Week 8, delivering an electric performance for fans, though it was a rocky start having to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns. Early on, George Pickens had two impressive touchdown catches, but both were taken away, frustrating the Steelers’ offense and leaving the team scrambling to find momentum. Then, Calvin Austin III turned the game around, showcasing his play-making ability with a spectacular punt return touchdown and a receiving touchdown from Russell Wilson, which ignited the team and set them on the path to a 26-18 victory.

Despite some early struggles, the Steelers' defense found its rhythm when it mattered most. Alex Highsmith led the charge, tallying two critical sacks that stopped the Giants from capitalizing on big plays. Highsmith’s presence disrupted New York’s offense, turning up the intensity and energizing the crowd in the second half. His standout performance was a big factor in the Steelers’ ability to hold onto their lead, even as the Giants threatened with chunk plays downfield.

After the game, Highsmith spoke with the media, offering a candid assessment of the defense’s inconsistent start. When asked about giving up large gains but ultimately managing to hold firm, Highsmith admitted that the team’s biggest challenge has been their tendency to start slow.

"I mean it just shows that we are resilient," Highsmith said. "I think we just need to start better cause we have had a trend this year of starting slow and then really picking it up in the second half. We just got to play more consistent throughout the game and just be more detailed. I think there’s a lot of stuff where we are hurting ourselves. When we go back to watch the film we will analyze it before we head out."

He emphasized the need for a stronger, more disciplined beginning to avoid relying on late-game heroics, noting that tightening up early will be crucial for the Steelers’ defense as the season progresses.

The Steelers now head into their bye week with a 6-2 record. Highsmith went on to share his insights on what the defense must improve to become a championship-caliber unit.

"Yeah, we just gotta really just be more detailed," Highsmith said. "We have to have a certain level of detail that it takes to be a winning team. Just got to lock in on little things but just getting the win was huge."

Highsmith is certainly onto something—the defense has shown a pattern of bending early without fully breaking. By the third quarter, however, they’ve hit their stride, and it’s not just the defense that steps up after halftime. The offense has been dominant in the third quarter as well. 

Steelers Have Been Incredible In The Third Quarter

According to data from Ari Meirov, the Steelers have scored an impressive 53 points in the third quarter while allowing zero, a testament to effective halftime adjustments.

While Steeler Nation and Highsmith would love to see the defense start stronger, it’s clear the team’s adjustments at halftime are working wonders. The Steelers head into their bye week in a solid position, fueled by Wilson’s steady play at quarterback, Austin's breakout performances, and a special teams unit firing on all cylinders. If the defense can find a quicker start, this team could reach another level.

Though the Steelers haven’t been flawless, there’s plenty to be optimistic about. Fans are starting to feel good about this Mike Tomlin-led squad, believing that the team’s resilience and second-half dominance could carry them deep into the postseason.

#SteelerNation