It's been a truly ugly start to the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers' vaunted defense. 32.5 points allowed per game, 149.5 rushing yards allowed per game, and just three sacks in two games is a huge fall from grace for the usually stout unit.
Injuries have played a part in their struggles, with first-round pick Derrick Harmon missing his first two career games. Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott, and Nick Herbig have also now missed time due to injury.
In their disappointing 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, they lost two more defenders to high ankle sprains. Reserve defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk and edge rusher Alex Highsmith are both expected to miss significant time, and Highsmith's absence could end any chance of turning the defense around before it even starts.
Pittsburgh Steelers' defense could struggle even more after Alex Highsmith injury
Fans of the Steelers were already stressing out about the performance of the defense before Highsmith went down, but losing him for any amount of time is truly anxiety-inducing. The former third-round pick was dominant as a pass rusher in their Week 1 victory over the New York Jets, picking up eight pressures and the only sack of the day, according to Pro Football Focus.
Without him in the lineup, it thrusts the now healthy Nick Herbig into a bigger role. He has shown plenty of ability to replace Highsmith's impact as a pass rusher, but he has played more than 50% of the snaps just five times in his career so far.
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Who knows if Herbig can handle the increased workload, and with only rookie Jack Sawyer behind him, he may not have a choice but to be out there for a ton of snaps until Highsmith returns.
That will, in turn, add even more pressure on T.J. Watt to break out of his slump that has continued from the end of last season. He has now gone six games without registering a sack, unheard of from a player of his caliber.
The Steelers' best hope may lie in the return of Harmon, as he should provide a boost to the defensive line's explosiveness in both pass and run defense. Relying on a rookie to help stabilize a unit full of veterans is a somber thought, but that's the reality for a defense that is the league's most expensive.
It's too early to count the Steelers' defense out this year, but Coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin must find a way to get more out of their uber-talented roster, injuries or not. Otherwise, it could be another mediocre season in the Steel City.