Alex Highsmith is proving early on that he’s worth his contract extension.
He was named the AFC Player Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the Steelers first win of the season, a 26-22 win against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.
He certainly deserves it. He intercepted a pass from Browns QB Deshaun Watson, after it bounced off Minkah Fitzpatrick, for a 30-yard pick-six on the first play of the game.
The outside linebacker also was key in the defense’s other touchdown.
He sacked Watson in the fourth quarter. He’s fellow linebacker T.J. Watt recovered and ran it into the endzone for the score.
If it wasn’t for Highsmith’s efforts, the Steelers likely lose. He was instrumental in the Steelers scoring 14 of their 26 points.
If you do the math, the defense was responsible for more points than the offense.
Highsmith had a total of seven tackles on Monday night, 14 now on the year.
T.J.’s brother J.J. was on the Pat McAfee Show for his weekly segment Wednesday. He said his brother and Highsmith are the best duo in the NFL.