In the Clear? Bills QB Josh Allen Scouts Steelers Defense Without T.J. Watt
Heading into a playoff game against the Buffalo Bills and quarterback Josh Allen is quite the task for a Pittsburgh Steelers team with third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Yet, they’ve played good football in the last few weeks, earned a playoff spot in a crowded AFC, and – most importantly – are still alive. With the weather bound to play a factor, Highmark Stadium could play host to the most chaotic game of Wild Card Weekend on Sunday.
Pittsburgh will be without star edge rusher T.J. Watt, their best player, for Sunday’s contest. The Steelers are, notably, 1-10 without him. They’ve been able to overcome horrible quarterback play and mid-season coaching changes, but losing such a potent threat to the defensive line has proven to be lethal.
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Allen, who’ll benefit greatly from Watt’s absence, wasn’t ready to look to the Divisional Round. A well-coached defense with a physical nature can very well cause Buffalo some problems.
“They’re playing at a very high level right now. I know they ruled Watt out but that doesn’t mean that we’re in the clear,” Allen said on Wednesday. “They’ve got a very good defensive line, one of the better (interior players) that’s played this game in Cam Heyward, he’s an animal. [Alex] Highsmith on the left edge, he’s playing as high a level as anybody in the league right now.”
Watt’s 19 sacks led the league this year, the third time he’s accomplished that feat. Pittsburgh’s defense ranks seventh in expected points added per play and eighth in success rate, a testament to the impact he’s had.
But as Allen said, this is not a one-man show. According to Pro Football Focus, Highsmith’s 69 pressures were the 13th-most amongst edge rushers. His 18 percent pass-rush win rate ranks 10th – and higher than Watt.
A playmaker like safety Minkah Fitzpatrick certainly won’t make the Bills’ job any easier. The star safety’s status was uncertain entering the week, but he is “110 percent” going to play.
“We’re going to have our hands full,” Allen said. “We got to make sure that we have a good game plan, we’re communicating well, and you know it’s win or go home.”
Buffalo, hosting Sunday’s game after winning the AFC East in Week 18, has come too far to fall short in a game in which it is favored by 9.5 points. Mitigating the pressure Highsmith and Heyward plan to provide will be a key step in advancing to the Divisional Round.
