The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their fierce and punishing front seven. Names like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith, and newcomer Patrick Queen have carried the torch of the Steelers’ defensive tradition. But with a new season approaching, not everyone is convinced that this group still ranks among the NFL’s elite.
One respected analyst has raised red flags, pointing to a combination of age, inconsistency, and vulnerability—particularly in the run game.
Age May Be Catching Up
T.J. Watt may still be a sack machine, but questions are growing louder about how long he can maintain his level of dominance as he crosses 30. Then there’s Cam Heyward—an anchor of the defensive line for over a decade—who turns 36 this season. Age is not just a number when it comes to the trenches, and both stars are showing signs of wear, especially late in the season.
Heyward’s production dipped noticeably toward the end of last year, while Watt closed the season without a sack in his final three games. These trends raise concern about whether the team can still rely on its veterans to control the line of scrimmage week after week.
Youth Movement on the Rise
Behind the aging starters, Pittsburgh has invested in promising young talent. Alex Highsmith continues to emerge as a reliable edge rusher. Young linemen like Keeanu Benton and Derrick Harmon are making strides, while Yahya Black is drawing attention for his physical tools.
With Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson anchoring the linebacker core, there’s hope for the future. But that hope comes with growing pains.
Linebackers Called “Liabilities” Against the Run
While Queen and Wilson are lauded for their athleticism and coverage ability, they’ve struggled when it comes to stopping the run. The analyst didn’t hold back, labeling them “liabilities in the running game” when facing power backs or strong interior blocking schemes.
This has already shown up on film. In several key losses last season, opposing teams attacked the middle of the field and found success. If Pittsburgh doesn’t patch this hole quickly, it could be a major problem in 2025.
Still a Strong Unit—But Slipping from Elite?
Make no mistake: the Steelers’ front seven is still dangerous. Watt is a game-changer. Heyward brings leadership and grit. Highsmith, Benton, and Harmon form a core that most teams would envy.
But the unit no longer feels invincible. The difference between “strong” and “elite” is razor-thin in the NFL. And right now, the Steelers look like they’re toeing that line—one or two injuries or regressions away from slipping off it entirely.
What’s Next?
The Steelers have depth, youth, and pedigree. But they need more. They need Queen and Wilson to become complete linebackers. They need Heyward to hold off Father Time a bit longer. And they need their young linemen to grow fast.
The team is also in a position to make bold decisions in the draft or through trade, especially with two first-round picks in 2026. That could open doors for a rebuild—or a reset—if the current core falters.
Final Thoughts
The Steelers’ front seven is still good enough to win games. But if the aging stars fade and the young players don’t step up, Pittsburgh could be in for a tough season. They’re no longer the feared wall they once were—but with the right adjustments, they can be again.
