Steelers defensive line grade: C+
One of the biggest rollercoasters for the Steelers this season was the play along the trenches. The offensive and defensive lines both struggled to command the point of attack at different moments throughout the schedule. There were some bright spots, but it also brought along different uncertainties that could bring headaches in the future.
Cam Heyward played at an All-pro level again as he played out of his mind. He did not get the kind of accolades that he deserves, but he was able to play the right way. His fellow teammates struggled to defend the run consistently and that issue still exposes its ugly head time and time again.
Steelers EDGE rusher grade: C+
Injury really impacted the outcome of this grade for Pittsburgh as their edge rushers are always a strength for this unit. When Watt got injured in week one, that applied all the pressure on Alex Highsmith to play at a high level. He was able to put up monster numbers in 2022, but that also caused issues while Watt was away.
Highsmith was able to get some sacks, but there was almost no production from the depth pieces that were filling in. Watt started to revert to his normal form after a couple of weeks of rejoining the team from his near season-ending pec injury. Highsmith’s breakout year and the return of Watt was the tipping point to give this group an above-average grade.