A Pittsburgh Steelers insider expects the team's new coaching staff to adjust playing time for its outside linebackers this season.
Mark Kaboly, a Steelers beat writer, discussed the position group during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan’s PM Team. He noted that T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig are all capable starters who will share snaps.
Kaboly said the new staff lacks the personal attachments of previous coaches. “Nobody on the defense has an attachment to him like the Tomlins and the guys before him and the Teryl Austins,” he stated. “So if he says, ‘I’m playing,’ Tomlin would be like, ‘Yeah, hey, you’re T.J. Watt.’ Now these guys are like, ‘Hey, we’re doing what’s best for the team.’”
Watt, age 31, played 82 percent of defensive snaps in 14 games last season after recording seven sacks. Highsmith logged 72 percent in 13 games, while Herbig, who signed a contract extension this offseason, played 60 percent in 15 games. Kaboly suggested Watt may not handle 90 percent of snaps going forward.
Injuries remain a concern for the group, which also includes Jack Sawyer. The rotation could help keep players fresh while maintaining pressure on opposing offenses.
