5 reasons to be excited about the 2023 Steelers

#2: The Steelers Pass Rush is Just as Dangerous as Ever

Remember a few months ago when it fell like a ghost town behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith at edge rusher? Or even how thin the interior defensive line was? Glad that's over.

Marcus Golden appears to be what the Steelers hoped to have in Melvin Ingram a few seasons ago. He's going to allow Watt and Highsmith to rotate throughout ballgames to remain fresh. Having that third rusher also breaks up the comfort level of opposing tackles as they face different styles and moves, which can make it easier for a Highsmith to set up that pattened spin move.

The fourth edge linebacker has stormed onto the scene. Nick Herbig might be undersized, but he doesn't appear to know or care. He's been taken under Watt's wing and has made a significant impact in the preseason. His 3.5 sacks, one a strip sack for a turnover, are enough reason to make sure he gets a handful of reps on Sundays to keep everyone fresh.

Look at some of the premiere pass-rushing units around the league and see the depth and rotation they employ. It makes a world of difference.

On the interior, Cam Heyward is still the biggest name for the inside push into the lap of opposing quarterbacks. But rookie Keanu Benton will play a role as well. If Larry Ogunjobi preserves his health and returns to his 2021 form, it's a significant boost to the effort overall.

We already know what Watt and Highsmith bring, but with the added help they've received this offseason, the duo could be even more lethal in 2023.