In terms of sack accumulation, it was another unusual season for the Steelers, but the ones they did receive were usually significant.
The 47 sacks the Steelers racked up in 2023 tied them for 11th place in the NFL, up from 14th in 2022, but still a far way from the No. 1 slot they held for five straight seasons, from 2017 to 2021.
However, the pass rush was historic from the perspective of outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who amassed 19 sacks and became the first NFL player to lead the league on three separate occasions (2020, 2021, and 2023).
And the Steelers frequently made up for their relative lack of volume by hitting opposition passes with a splash.
Here’s what comes next:
With 7:06 remaining in regulation and the Browns ahead 22-19, Highsmith—the other half of the Steelers’ two-headed monster at outside linebacker—beat left offensive lineman Jedrick Wills to the outside on second-and-9 from the Browns’ 20. When Watson attempted to advance into the pocket, Highsmith removed the ball from his grasp. Watt, who had been smashing the pocket from the other side, turned at number thirteen, caught up to the ball at number sixteen, changed course once more, and dashed into the end zone as it bounced forward.
All of a sudden, the Steelers were ahead.
Watt remembered, “Alex just had a phenomenal rush.” “I just saw the ball come out and, thankfully, I didn’t dive on it.”
Thank goodness. The Steelers needed to do more to win, even though they had overcome a 10-3 hole to take a 14-10 lead thanks to a safety, a field goal, an interception, and a 41-yard touchdown throw.
With 1:12 remaining in regulation and the Ravens holding two timeouts, Highsmith and Watt completed the pass on first-and-10 from the Baltimore 44. As soon as Jackson reached Highsmith, the left offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley was cocking his arm to throw, and Highsmith was wide. At the Baltimore 36, Highsmith ensured that Jackson threw the ball with an empty hand, and Watt caught it.
Watt was unable to reach the end zone completely.
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