Defense has been the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ calling card for decades.
They have been one of the most dominant units in the 1970s, thanks to their Steel Curtain defense that featured Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Mel Blount, among others.
In the 1990s, they had the Blitzburgh defense with Kevin Greene and Greg Lloyd.
Fast forward to now, and the Steelers have reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt
He earned that award after tying Michael Strahan‘s single-season sack record of 22.5.
Unfortunately, Watt has been sidelined by a pectoral muscle injury.
Taking his place as their leader on defense is linebacker Alex Highsmith.
He is also leading the league in an important category.
Your @NFL sack leader after 6 weeks‼️ pic.twitter.com/4tYM1Nltu8
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 18, 2022
The Steelers’ official Twitter account acknowledged Highsmith as the league leader in sacks with 6.5 through Week 6.
Von Miller, Khalil Mack, Maxx Crosby, Matthew Judon, Nick Bosa, Micah Parsons, and Rashan Garry had six stones each.
Za’Darius Smith and Bradley Chubb have 5.5 sacks each.
A Glimpse Of Highsmith’s Football Career
The former Charlotte standout was taken in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 101 spots after top overall pick Joe Burrow.
Before joining the Steelers, he was a two-time First-Team All-Conference USA member.
He had 48 total tackles, two sacks, five tackles for losses, six quarterback hits, and an interception in his rookie season.
A year later, Highsmith started 16 games and finished with 74 total tackles, six sacks, and 15 tackles for losses.
He has 148 tackles, 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two pass reflections throughout his NFL career.
Highsmith has become a valuable addition to the Steelers’ defense.
He lines up together with other linebackers like Malik Reed, Myles Jack, and Devin Bush.
Highsmith will look for more sacks as the Steelers face the Miami Dolphins in Week 7.
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