Despite all the hype, the Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacking unit has failed to live up to expectations for much of the 2024 season. With guys like TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig in the lineup, that should never be the case. Still, that's how it was and Watt acknowledges it. And he offered the perfect analogy for what went wrong and how to fix it.
Watt said the outside linebacker room couldn't consist of “four or five independent contractors” but instead had to work as a unit. All great things to focus on if the Steelers want to get the pass rush back on track.
TJ Watt on the Steelers DL/OLB position mantra in the meeting room:
“Let’s not have 4 or 5 independent contractors. Let’s keep working as one.”
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib)
Watt has 7.5 sacks on the season. Next among outside linebackers is Nick Herbig with just 3.5. Pittsburgh's problems begin and end with the ability to force the passer over the edge. This week the Steelers prepare to take on the Cincinnati Bengals, and that means they must try to slow down quarterback Joe Burrow, who is playing at a very high level.
