PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – When the Steelers traded a conditional sixth-round draft pick to the Broncos for Malik Reed he was going to get snaps. Now with TJ Watt out for an unknown amount of time, the coaches told Reed on Monday to be ready to have his role expanded.
"I knew God had me here for a reason and for a purpose," Reed said. "I didn't know when that was going to be, but I was going to be ready for it. Prayers up for TJ. I hope he gets back healthy."
Reed has played on both sides equally, not a preference for either. He's filled in for Bradley Chubb and All-Pro Von Miller while in Denver. Now after 32 defensive snaps as a Steeler, he will help fill in for TJ Watt.
"I'm ready for sure," Reed said. "The past three years, that's how I've gotten a lot of opportunity early on. I'm definitely ready for it and will embrace it."
"It's about being me. I feel like I played the game at a high level when my number was called. I'm just looking to come in and be me. That's why I was brought here."
Reed had 13 sacks in 26 starts the last two seasons with Denver. Adding 96 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 25 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles and passes defended. Undrafted out of the University of Nevada, Reed has established himself as a pass rusher in the NFL.
"I believe in who I am and what I can do," Reed said. "I believe it will be more than enough. TJ is a great player being the Defensive Player of the Year, led the league in sacks. He does great things. I'm going to be the best version of Malik I can be and run with that."
He says he has a good understanding of the defense, having only been in Pittsburgh since the move on August 30.
"A couple of weeks, I feel like it's only been one week," said Steelers Defensive Captain Cam Heyward of having Reed as a teammate. "He's just trying to get the lay of the land, understand what is going on. Good guy, he's had success elsewhere, know how to rush the passer and he's able to communicate. When you have those things, you are off to a good start."
Reed said he gets better every time on the field. Those times are about to increase in trying to help make up for the production of an all-time Steeler.
"I'm a firm believer in my faith and that God has me in a place for a reason," Reed said. "Being ready for the opportunity is something that has been a part of my story."
