PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Week One it was an opportunity because of Nick Herbig’s injury, now two weeks later another shot for significant snaps for rookie outside linebacker Jack Sawyer Sunday at New England.
Steelers finally had their outside linebacker group healthy against Seattle, but that only lasted until the second half. Alex Highsmith suffered an ankle injury which has him out at least this week. Sawyer responded to increased reps against the Seahawks with his first career sack and six tackles, two tackles for loss and a quarterback hit.
“I thought it was a significant improvement in the quality of his play on defense and in (special) teams, but I think that's a reasonable expectation for a lot of young people,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “He had been in the stadium, so I thought he played with more emotion. I thought he was more vocal. I thought he was more productive probably because of that comfort.”
The first-year linebacker said it was cool to get that first sack and to have it out of the way, but it was downplayed because the Steelers lost the game.
“I would rather have the win,” Sawyer said. “I like to win football games. I think anyone that plays this sport would agree with that. It was exciting, but it doesn’t mean much if you don’t get the W.”
At Ohio State, Sawyer had a knack for big plays, highlighted by a strip sack fumble and return 83 yards for a touchdown late in the College Football Playoff semifinals against Texas. In the Buckeyes post-season in 2024, the 6’4”, 260-pound Sawyer had 4.5 sacks, seven pass break-ups and two quarterback hurries.
Now a chance to show the Steelers that he can do that at the next level. The 23-year-old said he tries to prepare every week the same and just go about his business and create a routine. Then it’s being ready for whatever and whenever they ask. He said it’s really the willingness to do anything he can to help the Steelers win.
The Ohio native feels like he is settling in.
“It felt a little slower in Week 2,” Sawyer said. “I think the preparation and coaching staff and the older players like Alex, TJ and Herbig have helped me a lot. Kind of walked me through stuff, showed me stuff on film. They’ve been great to me and that stuff is starting to help me. Now that I’m able to see live action, it’s really helped it slow down even more.”
“I’ve been in that same position he’s in,” Herbig said. “You are coming in from college and you are the man. He’s won national championships and done a lot of great stuff. It’s a new role now, you don’t know how many reps you will get in a game. Just being there for him, being like that big bro for him.”
“I have such a great group (including) Cam Heyward, guys that care about helping us and getting better so we can get out there and play to our best ability without having to think too much,” Sawyer said.
One of the early lessons for Sawyer is it’s hard to whip a grown man’s butt. The whole defense at times likely feel they got their butt’s whipped through two games. The rookie said he and the team continue to improve and vows they will get back to that brand of Steelers football.