Ahead of their Week 14 showdown in Pittsburgh against the Steelers, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the challenge of containing Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith.
Here is what the head coach had to say on Highsmith:
“He’s outstanding. Having gone against him a bunch of these years. He’s terrific as a pass rusher, plays the run hard, great effort. So, we have our work cut out for us for sure.”
In his career against the Browns, Highsmith has recorded 35 solo tackles, eight sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. Highsmith has missed the last three games with an ankle injury, including Pittsburgh’s loss to the Browns, but he is expected to return to action in Week 14.
Alongside perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate T.J. Watt, Highsmith has been instrumental in winning one-on-one pass-rush matchups, making it harder for teams to focus solely on Watt. In Highsmith’s absence, Nick Herbig has stepped up, leading the team in pass rush win rate.
Slowing down Pittsburgh’s deep and talented group of pass rushers will be a top priority for Cleveland’s offense in Week 14.
