Despite all the hype, the Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacking unit hasn’t lived up to the billing for much of the 2024 season. This should never be the case with guys like T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig in the lineup. Nevertheless, it’s been the case and Watt acknowledges it. And he offered up the perfect analogy for what’s been going wrong and how to fix it.
Watt said the outside linebacker room can’t be “four or five independent contractors” and instead have to work as a unit. All great things to focus on if the Steelers want get the pass rush back on track.
TJ Watt, on the Steelers DL/OLB position meeting room mantra:
“Let’s not have 4 or 5 independent contractors. Let’s continue to work as a unit.”
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) November 29, 2024
On the season, Watt has 7.5 sacks. Next up among the outside linebackers is Nick Herbig with only 3.5. Pittsburgh’s struggles start and stop with its ability to rush the passer off the edge. This week the Steelers prepare to take on Cincinnati Bengals and that means trying to slow down quarterback Joe Burrow, who is playing at a very high level.
