NFL Network's Peter Schrager says Steelers have best pass-rushing tandem in NFL

The Pittsburgh Steelers picked up a 26-22 victory over the Cleveland Browns Monday, largely in part due to the performances from TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith.

The duo combined for 2.0 sacks, 11 tackles, three tackles for loss, six quarterback hits and two defensive touchdowns. While Watt has been a household name for some time, having won the AP Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2021, the emergence of Highsmith has allowed the Steelers to own one of the best pass-rushing tandems in the NFL.

But if you were to ask Peter Schrager of NFL Network, there is no debate — Watt and Highsmith ARE the best pass-rushing tandem in the league.

"In TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, the @Steelers have the the best pass rushing duo in the league. Watt is a household name; Highsmith is going to be one, too, if he isn't already."
— @PSchrags pic.twitter.com/YdYpyJaPu8

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) September 19, 2023

“In TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, the Steelers have the best pass rushing duo in the league,” Schrager said on “Good Morning Football” Tuesday. “Watt is a household name; Highsmith is going to be one, too, if he isn’t already.”

Both made life uncomfortable for Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, as they have most quarterbacks since they entered the league. Highsmith, Pittsburgh’s 2020 third-round pick out of Charlotte, has compiled 23.5 sacks, including a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2022.

TJ Watt breaks Steelers’ all-time sack record

Watt, the Steelers’ 2017 first-round pick out of Wisconsin, broke James Harrison’s single-season sack record in 2021, recording 22.5 sacks. Harrison set the old record in 2008 when he registered 16.0 sacks. Watt notched career sack No. 81.5 Monday to become the Steelers’ all-time sack leader, passing Harrison (80.5).

“I’d be lying to you if I didn’t say it was special,” Watt said after the game. “Just like anything, it hasn’t set in. I don’t know if it will until I have time to really sit down and process what just happened tonight. But there’s so many people along the way that have helped me get to where I am. I can’t stand the individual awards of football because there’s just — Deebo himself helped me so much my rookie year. He didn’t have to. No one asked him to, but he wanted to help me, and I appreciate him for that.

“So many teammates, coaches, mentors, my brothers. My wife’s support. My parents. There’s so many people that go into it that it’s not myself out there making the plays. I mean, I can’t take all the credit.”