4 bold predictions for the Steelers vs the Broncos in week 5

Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Steelers Highsmith turns on the heat

The Steelers trio of pass rushers are finally healthy on paper, as none of the three found their way to the injury report this week. This means this group should, ideally, look similar to how they did against the Bills in week one. While the groin injuries may still be nagging, it is a positive sign that team hasn’t had any setbacks with the edge rushers this week.

Of the three edge rushers, Alex Highsmith has the worst stats but that doesn’t tell the full story. While he has yet to record a sack, Highsmith has been consistently applying pressure and getting the quarterback to feel pressure when throwing.

This is partially due to his insanely fast reaction to the snap. It makes it almost impossible for tackles to get the first step on Highsmith, as he makes the first contact and can decide what pass-rushing move will be the most effective.

I think he finally puts it all together this week. While Garrett Bolles and Bobby Massie have been ok so far this season, both will likely struggle against a speed rusher like Highsmith. I think he finally gets on the sack board this week, posting two of them, both by beating Massie to get to the quarterback. Don’t let his stats dissuade you, Highsmith is off to a strong start, and eventually, the sacks will catch up with his play level.