A pair of dominant Steelers make PFF's 2024 First-Quarter All-Pro Team

We've reached the quarter mark of the 2024 NFL season (at least as close as we can get to one-fourth in a 17-game season). Despite a 24-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4, the Steelers have outperformed expectations early in the season.

Pittsburgh's 3-1 start was spearheaded by an impressive defense that has allowed just 13.3 points per game to their opponents entering Week 5 (second in the NFL). Their total defense is just as remarkable as Mike Tomlin's team ranks fourth in yards allowed -- surrendering a mere 261.8 yards per game.

With the first quarter of the season in the books, Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus put together PFF's First-Quarter All-Pro team. Two Steelers made the cut: T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward.

Though Watt had a quiet game in Week 4, he has been a nightmare to deal with early in the 2024 season. A new analytic from PFF shows that Watt has been chipped by a running back or tight end at double the rate of any other pass rusher in the league early in the season. Still, he has managed to rake in three sacks while having two strip sacks called back in Week 1.

Heyward, meanwhile, has been as dominant as a run defender as any player in the league through the quarter mark of the season. The big defensive lineman looks healthy and strong with his ability to stack and shed blockers for run stops and tackles for a loss. He is PFF's highest-graded run defender on the season, and the tape matches the grade.

Steelers who could still make PFF's All-Pro Team

We still have three-quarters of the season to go, and neither Watt nor Heyward is guaranteed to be among this short list of players by the end of the 2024 season. However, their current pace suggests they will be in strong contention for All-Pro recognition from Pro Football Focus.

At some point, we would love to see more than just these two star players make the cut.

George Pickens is showing No. 1 wide receiver ability, but the competition among receivers is still in the AFC. Meanwhile, Minkah Fitzpatrick has lacked splash plays early in the season, and the missed time from Alex Highsmith won't put his name in the All-Pro conversation this year.

One player who could emerge is safety DeShon Elliott. The veteran free agent signing has been fantastic for the Steelers early in the season, and if he keeps up at this rate, Elliott could warrant All-Pro consideration.

More likely than not, however, Watt and Heyward will be the only players on this list by the time the season ends. If they can keep up at this rate, the Pittsburgh Steelers should have one of the top defenses in the NFL this year.