The Pittsburgh Steelers face a tough task this week in trying to corral a still dangerous Detroit Lions offense, presumably without T.J. Watt or Nick Herbig on the edge of the line of scrimmage. Both edge rushers did not participate in practice on Thursday, leaving fourth-round rookie Jack Sawyer as the likeliest option to start opposite of Alex Highsmith.
Naturally, there’s concern in such circumstances. Sawyer has been a solid contributor on defense and special teams, but it’s primarily been in a limited rotational role defensively.
Nonetheless, at this point of the season, it’s a next man up mentality, and so the Steelers have to put full confidence in the rookie defender to hold down the position if Watt or Herbig is unavailable.
What Steelers DC Teryl Austin likes about Jack Sawyer heading into Detroit
Ahead of the game this week, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin talked up his rookie edge defender, praising Sawyer for his efforts this season that translated well from what Pittsburgh saw during the draft process.
"When it was tough and they needed a big play, he was a guy that was around,” Austin said of Sawyer in college at Ohio State. “He’s not afraid of those moments. I think he’ll be able to step up and give us what we need with an expanded role.”
Sawyer has been productive this season, even in his limited role. He has a sack and an interception to his name to go along with 26 total tackles, two for a loss, three pass deflections, and four quarterback hits.
Naturally, at his position, the emphasis on pass-rushing ability is always at the forefront. But against Detroit’s elite rushing attack, Sawyer will have to stand tall. Austin expects Sawyer can stand up to the challenge thanks to his physical profile, which he likened to former Steeler Bud Dupree.
"He gives us a bigger body type, a type of guy who, against the run, can take on those blocks and anchor down," Austin said.
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It’s nice to see Austin speak confidently about Sawyer ahead of such a daunting matchup, but the reality is laid bare for Steelers fans. Sawyer is going to be matched up with Penei Sewell more often than not, and Taylor Decker is on the other side. Against the run or the pass, that’s an advantage for Detroit on every down.
That said, Sawyer has silenced some doubters this season with his play. He lacks some tools you’d like to see from an Ohio State prospect, but to Austin’s point, he finds ways to make plays. He’ll just have to be extra creative to do so in Detroit on Sunday.