Steelers' Alex Highsmith Rips His Own Defense Despite Important Week 1 Win

The Pittsburgh Steelers headed into their Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets with a gambling total set at just 37.5 points for the over/under. Clearly, the Vegas oddsmakers felt this game was going to be an ugly defensive snooze fest. The game featured 66 points as the Steelers won 34-32 over the Jets on Sunday. The Steelers' defense didn't look like many had expected, but they did come up when it mattered most.

Many Steelers fans were perplexed to watch such a highly compensated defense falter against Justin Fields, Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and company. After the win, Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith spoke to the media about the defensive effort. Highsmith made it clear that he was not satisfied with how the defense performed. 

He explained that giving up that many points does not meet the expectations for a team that has invested so much into its defensive unit. While the offense found ways to put points on the board, the defense struggled to deliver consistent stops and allowed the Jets to almost walk away with an upset win. Highsmith admitted that the group has a lot of work to do and that this type of effort cannot become a trend if the Steelers plan on being competitive throughout the season.

"We finished the game we wanted to making two big stops on the last couple of drives," Highsmith said as he spoke with the Pittsburgh media following the win over the Jets on Sunday. "But obviously this isn’t the standard for this defense."

The Steelers' defense showed up in the biggest moments when it mattered most. Most notably, they suffocated Fields by keeping him from scrambling outside of the pocket on a key third down. 

Then came the game-winning hit by Jalen Ramsey on fourth down. Those two plays helped soften the blow, but overall, this highly paid defense looked shaky, giving up 394 yards of total offense.

"We got punched in the mouth coming out of the gate, and that is not the standard for us," Highsmith said. "We just gotta get in the lab and digest this film. We just gotta come out and play more physical from the jump. We got the W, but it obviously wasn’t good enough from our part and so we just gotta get back in the lab and digest this and get better."

The win may have softened the sting, but Highsmith’s comments highlight a serious concern that cannot be ignored. The defense was expected to set the tone in this matchup, yet it became a liability that nearly cost the team its first victory of the year. 

Fans will be watching closely to see if adjustments are made heading into Week 2, as continued breakdowns could put even more pressure on the offense. Highsmith’s criticism signals that the Steelers' defense understands the urgency of the situation and knows that expectations must be met moving forward.

Steelers' Defense Must Make Quick Adjustments Before Week 2

The Steelers are set to open up at home in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. This matchup will serve as a revenge opportunity for wide receiver DK Metcalf, who began his career in Seattle. 

The Seahawks offense carries some uncertainty with a new quarterback in Sam Darnold, but if the Steelers' pass rush does not improve, Darnold could find the game much easier than expected. The defense has a chance to rebound, but it must happen quickly. The late stop to secure the win in Week 1 provides some momentum, and Steelers fans will be hoping it carries over into Week 2.

What grade would you give the Steelers' defense following their Week 1 win over the New York Jets? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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