Some supporters of the Pittsburgh Steelers were justifiably apprehensive prior to the team's Week 14 confrontation with the Cleveland Browns as the Week 12 defeat undoubtedly failed to instill optimism.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers defense on a Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns in 2024.
Nevertheless, the Black and Gold defense remained resilient, while the offensive mirrored this intensity, effectively destroying the Browns' defense as the game wore on.
Steelers’ defense puts the AFC on notice
The Steelers' defense exhibited a formidable effort in their Week 14 victory against the Browns, demonstrating their superiority at every tier. Notwithstanding several infractions, Pittsburgh's defense established dominance, reaffirming their status as one of the league's most formidable teams. The Steelers generated turnovers and maintained sustained pressure, both crucial elements in the triumph, and overall confidence as the league heads to post-season territory.
Let’s look at the top five players from the Bengals game the week prior, per Pro Football Focus:
Nick Herbig (LB): PFF rating of 92
Payton Wilson (LB): PFF rating of 81.5
Cameron Heyward (DT): PFF rating of 79.3
Keeanu Benton (DL): PFF rating of 79.1
Isaiahh Loudermilk (DT): PFF rating of 74.5
Topping the AFC betting odds
Some would say the AFC North championship is all but confirmed for the Steelers, but the AFC championship, with teams such as the Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens in the way, won’t be as simple. That said, from a value standpoint, odds on NFL betting markets are showing excellent prices on Pittsburgh as they’ve found an offensive groove with Russell Wilson and should get at least one home playoff game as the likely AFC North winners.
AFC Championship Odds
(Odds taken from top sportsbooks as of 12/5/2024)
Is this the best defense in the NFL?
What’s most shocking about emphatic defensive performances like we witnessed during the Browns game is that this defensive unit hasn’t been in optimal health.
During the 2024 season, the Steelers' defense has been one of the best in the NFL, but it's been hard for players like Cory Trice Jr. to stay healthy. Their health as a whole permitting, they could be the best defense in football when they are at their best. This unit is terrible for opposing offenses because it has stars like TJ Watt, Nick Herbig, Preston Smith, and Alex Highsmith.
Many people don't know how good Highsmith is as an NFL player. When he's on the field, he greatly helps Watt and makes things much harder for the other team's attack. The Steelers haven't lost a game with Highsmith in the lineup, even though he has been hurt a few times this season. Head Coach Mike Tomlin gave hints that Highsmith might come back in Week 14 against the Browns, and he did, even recording a sack.
Getting Highsmith back helps the Steelers' defense, which already has many great players. Herbig is a rising star who has shown a lot of promise since his rookie year in 2023. He is great at strip sacks and has huge potential for evolution moving forward. It's better to have more elite pass rushers and Tomlin knows how important it is for his outside defenders to be healthy.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Nick Herbig stretching before a game against the Cleveland Browns in 2024.
Fear the Steelers defense!
The Eagles should be scared when they think about Highsmith now back because he will make it harder to stop the Steelers' constant pass rush. This team is 7-0 when Highsmith is on the field and 3-3 when he isn't. This shows how important he is to this defense, and the team knows how important it is for him to be at full health for them to potentially get to the Super Bowl.
