The Pittsburgh Steelers battled through some injuries and came from behind to beat the Baltimore Ravens. Now 7-0, the Steelers have a friendly stretch of games coming up which will give them a chance to get healthy if needed. One player that has stepped up big time is rookie outside linebacker Alex Highsmith. The third round pick played his most snaps in a game this season against the Ravens and stood out as a key performer. He continues to provide quality depth behind T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree, allowing the Steelers to get creative with their defensive personnel.
Alex Highsmith Shines Against Ravens
The Build Up
Coming into the game with Baltimore, Highsmith was already carving out a role as the team’s third outside linebacker. He was playing more snaps than Olasunkanmi Adeniyi consistently. Things came full circle against the Ravens, when Highsmith played 25 defensive snaps and Adeniyi played zero. It has been clear over the past few weeks that the first-year linebacker was becoming more comfortable in the Steelers defense. He had been playing well against the run. Despite not making any plays as a pass rusher, Highsmith has still been productive when other teams pass because he is comfortable dropping into coverage. The Steelers don’t do it often, but they will occasionally ask their outside linebacker to move out to the slot and play some coverage. Highsmith was effective in that role, and it became obvious against the Ravens.
Versatility on Display
Against Baltimore, the Steelers had a unique way of using Highsmith. In certain situations, he served as a replacement to injured slot cornerback Mike Hilton. That might sound odd, replacing a cornerback with an outside linebacker. But the logic makes sense and it was an effective decision by Mike Tomlin and Keith Butler. Their goal was to replace to production that Hilton gives the team against the run. Of course, doing so with an edge rusher would be a huge drop off in pass coverage from Hilton. Against a team like the Ravens, who do their best work running the ball, it was a risk the team was willing to take. All things considered, it worked out well.
Steelers fans want to pull their hair out when they see their pass rushers dropping into pass coverage. It paid off early in the third quarter against Baltimore, though. On a play action pass, Highsmith’s responsibility was to cover Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard out of the backfield. Highsmith recognized the play, peeled off of Ricard, and dropped off into the deeper part of the flat. Lamar Jackson, looking to target Mark Andrews toward the sideline, never saw Highsmith adjust his coverage. It was an easy interception for the rookie, one that gave the Steelers some life and sparked their comeback win. It is also worth noting that Highsmith finished the game as the highest-graded Steeler, according to Pro Football Focus.
Alex Highsmith noted he got his INT on an adjustment from an earlier play. GREAT adjustment on the fly in-game by the rookie. Veteran move.
First-half, Highsmith just rides Ricard on the line. Second-half he drops back and gets the pick on a similar play. Awesome stuff. pic.twitter.com/mvBJ1DACVp
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) November 2, 2020
Looking To the Future
For the rest of the season, it’s hard to predict the role Highsmith will have. When Hilton returns from injury, the team likely won’t use that three outside linebacker package much if at all. Still, after the way he played against the Ravens, the Steelers will get Alex Highsmith some snaps. He is a great option to replace Dupree and Watt when they need a few plays off. He will get playing time against strong running teams, too. Whether they use him as an off-ball linebacker or put him on the edge when the team uses their vicious over front, they will make sure to get Highsmith some playing time. He is playing too well to keep him off the field.
Long term, Highsmith will likely be the starting outside linebacker across from T.J. Watt next season. With their cap situation, the Steelers almost certainly won’t be able to sign Bud Dupree to a contract extension in the off-season. Plus, the consistent improvements of Highsmith will make the team more comfortable moving on from a great player like Dupree. As Highsmith improves as a pass rusher, he will find success as a full-time outside linebacker.
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