NFL 2023: Ranking 5 best pass rush duos in the league

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 18: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with T.J. Watt #90 after a sack against Sam Darnold #14 of the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMEBER 13: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against the New Orleans Saints on November 13, 2022 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

NFL pass-rush duo no. 2: Pittsburgh Steelers — TJ Watt, Cam Heyward (and Alex Highsmith)

If you want to make this the top “edge” duos in the NFL, I still think the Pittsburgh Steelers would fit nicely in the no. 2 overall slot. But you’ve got to give credit where it’s due, and Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward continues to get better and better with age.

Heyward, a former first-round pick out of Ohio State, has become one of the most savvy veterans on the defensive line in the NFL today and was top-20 last year with 10.5 sacks, he ranked tied for 20th with 30 QB pressures, and he tied his career-best with 23 QB hits.

It’s crazy how much better and how much more dominant Heyward has gotten in his late-20s and early 30s. Entering his age-34 season, Heyward is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL today.

And then there’s this other guy, TJ Watt.

Watt is a five-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro whose production this past year was only derailed by injury. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in the 2021 season when he racked up a whopping 22.5 sacks, 39 QB hits, and 52 total pressures. Would you believe the sack number is the only career-high on that list for Watt? And the 52 total pressures weren’t even second-best?

The Steelers have one of the NFL’s best duos in the league in Heyward and Watt, but Alex Highsmith could be considered in this mix as well. He had 14.5 sacks last season with 20 QB hits, 28 pressures, and a very impressive five forced fumbles.

No matter which duo you pick here, the Steelers have one of the two best in the league.

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