A surprise leader in sacks
The Steelers pass-rushing unit has developed into one of the best in the league, and while the entire unit will likely have good numbers, the odds-on favorite to lead the team in sacks is T.J. Watt. If for some reason he didn’t, the next logical candidate would be Cameron Heyward or maybe even Bud Dupree. While any of those three have a good shot at having the most sacks, I believe Stephon Tuitt will walk away from 2020 with the most sacks on the roster.
To be frank, Tuitt was unstoppable in 2019 before being lost for the year due to injury. He was constantly in the QB’s face, forcing bad decisions and causing turnovers for his efforts. While his 3.5 sacks look bad for a season total, his injury is the only reason that number wasn’t close to double digits. With offenses having to focus on two LBs in Watt and Dupree as well as the recently resigned Heyward, Tuitt could see even more single blockers which would allow him to wreck opposing QBs.
It isn’t far fetched for Tuitt to log 10 plus sacks in 2020. While he will need to keep pace with Watt, if Tuitt can take advantage of the early season single blocks, he could take an early lead. Assuming his play from 2019 transfers over to 2020, Tuitt could see early season accolades and quickly blow past his previous season sack record. Fans forget how good Tuitt was last season, but they will be reminded of it shortly after the season begins.
While the Steelers defense will likely be a top unit again in 2020, which allows for some of these bold predictions to surface. While all of these aren’t likely to come true, it shouldn’t stop the Steelers defense from shutting down opponents and win big some big games.