Alex Highsmith discusses how Steelers will prepare for 49ers in week one

In the preseason, it’s probably OK to skip a few weeks ahead and zero in on your opening day opponent. And the Steelers defense has drawn a tough assignment.

After all, Pittsburgh plays the San Francisco 49ers. Their offense was so dynamic a year ago that the 49ers reached the NFC title game despite using three starting quarterbacks. That included rookie Brock Purdy, who tore a tendon in his elbow against the Eagles.

Purdy leads the 49ers again this season. His elbow is healthy. And he has plenty of talent surrounding him, including Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk.

Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith appeared on Good Morning Football on Tuesday. And the hosts asked him about how the defense plans to deal with an onslaught of 49ers talent. Getting San Fran in Pittsburgh will help.

“We know we got a challenge,” Highsmith said. “And they come in week one and they got a great team. Defensively. we’re really going to have to play a great game, have a great game plan, and like you guys said, they have a lot of weapons in that offense. You know, Brock Purdy had a good first year, and so going against those guys, it’s gonna be a fun matchup. And I can’t wait.”

Do Steelers get bump from home field advantage against the 49ers? Highsmith says definitely yes

But then Highsmith brought up Acrisure Stadium. He thinks he can be a Steelers trump card, with the home crowd zapping some 49ers energy.

“Because, week one, in our place, and I think Acrisure — I don’t think I know — Acrisure Stadium is gonna be rocking. … It was this past week playing the Bills in the preseason. So week one, it’s gonna be rockin’ at home. And so we’re looking forward to that matchup. It’s gonna be fun, it’s gonna be a challenge. You know, I can’t wait.”

Breaking down the @steelers offseason additions and preparing to face the 49ers…@highsmith34 is at the breakfast table! pic.twitter.com/kdwU1N0EP1

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) August 22, 2023

The Steelers are fortunate that they do have a ton of days to prep for the 49ers. Pittsburgh finishes the preseason with a road date Thursday at the Falcons. They next play the 49ers on Sept. 10. Conversely, the 49ers and coach Kyle Shanahan also have a ton of time to prepare for a Steelers defense with a healthy T.J. Watt. The defensive end missed a chunk of games last season with chest and knee injuries. But Highsmith stepped up with 14.5 sacks. Meanwhile, Cam Heyward contributed 10.5.

The Steelers will have a pass rush to contend with Purdy. The second-year quarterback started the 49ers preseason game last Saturday against the Broncos. It was his first time under center since the NFC title game. He flipped it to Samuel for a 25-yard gain on his very first play.