Steelers' Pass Rush Has A Huge Opportunity To "Make Blitzburgh Return" In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter their Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons with the same goal in mind, but a different mindset. Mike McCarthy is now the leader of the organization after Mike Tomlin resigned after 19 years of service. McCarthy brings an offensive philosophy to a team traditionally built on defense. The fellow Yinzer has largely kept Tomlin's group intact and even added a few new pieces to the puzzle. With new faces and current players in new roles, the Steelers are poised to have a new look in 2026. 

One position group that stayed put was the outside linebackers, one of the deepest units in the league. Led by future Hall of Famer TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, the group has a diverse skill set and a limitless ability to rush the passer. The OLBs haven't shown their full potential as a unit yet, largely because of injuries and scheme, but this season could be the year they take off. 

McCarthy brought Patrick Graham over from the Las Vegas Raiders, a coach who builds his defenses on the front seven. Graham has shown in the offseason so far the ability to have all three primary edge rushers on the field at the same time in an effective way. He is looking to get the team back to its old ways of leading the NFL in sacks and terrorizing opposing offensive lines. 

Insider Mark Kaboly recently appeared on an episode of his show, Kaboly + Mack, where he believes Graham can bring "Blitzburgh" back to the Steel City. With the young defensive linemen expected to leap in year two, Kaboly also believes the rush can come from other places, even including the secondary. 

"I think they're going to be able to put a ton of pressure on the quarterback," Kaboly stated. "I think they're going to pressure the living h*** out of the quarterback at times. And it comes from anywhere. They got four or five defensive linemen that can do it, three linebackers, they can do it from safety. I think that's going to be something. They'll make 'Blitzburgh' return. I feel very confident that they're going to surpass their franchise record of 56." 

The organization added do-it-all safety Jaquan Brisker from the Chicago Bears on a one-year deal. Brisker comes off a season in which he tallied five sacks, showing he is more than capable as a blitzer. They also have Jalen Ramsey, who earned three sacks as a nickel/safety in 2025. Ramsey is expected to play a similar role to last season and roam around the field, making him dangerous as a potential rusher. 

From 2017-2021, the Steelers led the NFL in sacks every season and reached 56 sacks twice (2017 and 2020). They also broke the NFL record for most consecutive regular-season games with at least one sack, setting the mark at 75 games. Since then, the front seven has been good, but not as good as it should be. With the most talented edge rusher room in decades and up-and-coming defensive tackles, the defense could easily be back into the 50s in terms of sack numbers in 2026. 

Steelers' Depth Could Make Stars More Effective

It's no secret among Steeler Nation that Watt is in decline as age and injuries are starting to wear on the former Defensive Player of the Year winner. With only seven sacks in 2025, he tallied his lowest number since entering the league in 2017, despite playing in 14 games. Now, with Nick Herbig on the rise, and Jack Sawyer looking to have more of a significant role, Watt should be able to take fewer snaps this season and be fresher when he is on the field. 

Cam Heyward also took a step back in sack numbers with only 3.5 in 2025. Heyward actually played the most snaps among defensive tackles in the NFL. With Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black going into their second season, the organization can rely on those two more, taking snaps off Heyward's plate. Watt and Heyward aren't getting any younger, but with the depth in the front seven, they may be able to hold off Father Time just a little longer. 

#SteelerNation