2022 Steelers provided a glimpse into the future and it is a bright one
By Eric Hassel
The Steelers have building blocks on defense to propel the group in 2023 and beyond
Similar to what we witnessed on the offensive side of the ball, the defense initially was playing like a group that would end up being on the worst statistically in quite some time. We couldn’t stop the run, or the pass and we could not generate consistent pressure.
Once T.J. Watt, our All-Pro outside linebacker, came back from the injury sustained in week one, the defense simply played better. There are no two ways about it. Despite the presence of players like Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick, who was voted as our team MVP, the defense was just not the same without Watt.
Alex Highsmith had a great year, finishing in sixth place in sacks with fourteen and a half. Other players also contributed to our efforts as is usually the case, resulting in a group that finished thirteenth in overall defense. That is saying something considering where we started.
The defense was not perfect by any means, but as the season progressed, we played better. It seemed to me that we played with more confidence as we started winning games. I think that is exactly what we have come to expect from a Steelers defense.
Let’s see what else we have to look forward to in the years to come.