The Pittsburgh Steelers have long built their identity on defensive dominance, and in Week 1 against the Jets, that tradition was on full display.
While T.J. Watt’s name naturally draws the spotlight, it was Alex Highsmith who reminded everyone just how dangerous Pittsburgh’s edge tandem has become.
Highsmith didn’t just flash -- he dominated, setting the tone for a heck of a 2025 campaign.
Alex Highsmith looks every bit the part of a potential All-Pro this fall
From the opening snap, Highsmith looked locked in. His burst off the line consistently disrupted the Jets’ protection schemes, forcing offensive tackles into awkward sets and creating pressure that rattled the quarterback before plays could fully develop. Highsmith’s sack totals may not always match Watt’s gaudy numbers, but his ability to win one-on-one matchups and collapse the pocket is what allows Pittsburgh’s defense to thrive as a unit.
Against the Jets, that combination of speed and power was on full display, and it became clear early on that he was going to be a problem.
What makes Highsmith’s rise so impressive is the growth he’s shown year after year. A former third-round pick out of UNC-Charlotte, he came into the league in 2020 as a developmental edge player with the blend of size and explosiveness teams covet at the position.
Fast forward to now, and he’s become a staple opposite of Watt -- no longer just a complementary piece, but a force in his own right. His hands have sharpened, his counter moves have improved, and his relentless motor makes him nearly impossible to neutralize over four quarters. The Jets, like many teams before them, simply ran out of answers, leading to an eye-popping day for Highsmith at 5-tech (outside shoulder of the tackle).
In total, the now 28-year-old Highsmith amassed eight pressures, six hurries, a sack, one QB hit, and six tackles.
His performance underscored just how dangerous the Steelers’ front seven has become when both he and Watt are healthy. Offensive coordinators can’t sell out to double Watt without leaving Highsmith isolated, and when it happens, the results usually end with a signal-caller on the ground or hurried into a forced throw. Despite New York's success on offense as a whole, it was the formula on Sunday as the Jets struggled to find rhythm offensively at times.
Beyond the stat sheet, Highsmith brings energy and consistency that resonates throughout an NFL locker room. His effort is never questioned, and his presence opposite Watt allows Pittsburgh’s defense to keep its aggressive identity intact. For head coach Mike Tomlin, that reliability is invaluable -- knowing you can trust both edges to not only create pressure but also hold up on early downs against the run.
It remains to be seen if Highsmith can work back to the success he had in 2022 (15 sacks), but if Week 1 was any indication, he's poised for another heck of a campaign for Tomlin's group.