Following the conclusion of Wednesday’s Steelers practice on the South Side, Alex Highsmith patiently waited to speak with the media as a long, thunderous train screamed by the team’s practice facility.
There are some parallels to Highsmith’s still very young career there.
A year after Highsmith served as the understudy to TJ Watt and Bud Dupree, he is set to — like Wednesday's passing locomotive — burst onto the scene, and is doing so alongside Watt, with a new face, three-time Pro Bowler Melvin Ingram, adding a strong presence to the mix.
“It makes it effective because we’re all fresh and coming in providing quality rushes I feel like this trio is going to be really special,” Highsmith said. “The fact that all three of us an come in and produce like we do is special.”
That’s exactly what Pittsburgh’s defense did Sunday, harrassing one of the game’s top passers, Bills quarterback Josh Allen, in the team’s 23-16 win in Buffalo.
“We threw different looks at them,” Highsmith added. “That’s what we were trying to do. Ultimately, we’re just trying to win with a four-man rush, and that’s what we did.”
When the Steelers decided to acquire Ingram in July, it offered them a solid depth option behind a bonafide superstar in Watt, and the up-and-comer Highsmith.
It also provided Highsmith a chance to keep his body fresh for a 17-game season, something that will be a huge challenge for a player that has not had to go through a full season as a started before.
“It’s awesome to be able to work with Melvin and TJ,” Highsmith said. “I’ve learned so much from both of them already. I’m just excited to continue to learn, because those are veteran, established guys.”
Ingram’s acquisition also meant that Highsmith had some competition in the replacing of Bud Dupree. And maybe that showed a bit in the snap count totals from the game.
Watt played 81 percent of the defensive snaps, Ingram played 63 percent and Highsmith 54 percent.
“I feel like I’ll be able to step up to the challenge,” Highsmith said. “I feel like I’ve matured a lot this year, mentally and physically. I’ve gained some weight, gotten stronger and faster this offseason. I’ve got to continue to get one percent better each day.”
So far, who could argue?
The Steelers’ defense looked magnificent in Buffalo. Highsmith made four tackles, Watt had two sacks and a forced fumble, and Ingram had a tackle for loss and a pass deflection.
“The defense as a whole, we all push each other to be the best we can be,” Highsmith said. “Everyone came into this camp prepared, just to be the best defense that we can be this year.
“I think we put that one display in Week 1. As long as we can keep that consistency throughout the year, we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with.”