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Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers had the most dynamic pass-rushing tandem in the NFL. If the Steelers want to get back to the playoffs, they need a repeat performance from this unit, especially considering this might be the last season it looks this good.
Here’s our look back and forward for the Pittsburgh outside linebacker.
Looking back at 2019
Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt really were the dynamic duo of edge rushers last season. The two combined for 26 sacks, 30 tackles for loss and 53 quarterback hits. You could say the Steelers didn’t have much in the way of depth at outside linebacker but it really didn’t matter. Dupree played just over 90 percent of the defensive snaps and Watt played 86.25 percent. The Steelers have a long tradition of dominant outside linebackers and these two held up that tradition with pride.
Looking ahead to 2020
Watt and Dupree return but with Dupree playing on the franchise tag, it’s highly likely this will be his last year in Pittsburgh. This means it is in the Steelers best interest to rotate guys in a little more. Ola Adeniyi has shown some promise but this year’s third-round pick, Alex Highsmith is a better overall candidate to replace Dupree in 2021. Either way, these guys need reps for the coaches to see what they have.
Overall
It was tremendous to see the light finally come on for Dupree. He turned it into a huge one-year payday and if he can repeat and even build on it, this can only help Pittsburgh. Watt on the other hand is a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate and one of the best all-around defenders in the NFL. This positional unit is in great hands for this season and the future.
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