The Pittsburgh Steelers have their biggest test of the 2024 season on Sunday when they travel to take on the Washington Commanders. Ahead of the season, this game looked like it might be one of Pittsburgh's easiest games of the year, but Washington suddenly looks like a serious contender in the NFC. They have the best rookie in football at quarterback in Jayden Daniels, who is looking like a legitimate MVP candidate. It will be a tough challenge for Pittsburgh to capture the victory, but if anyone can shut down the rookie phenom, it's Pittsburgh's defense.
A big reason Daniels has been so successful in his rookie year is his offensive line. They have done a good job protecting him and he has been smart about knowing when to take off and use his legs. This is what makes this game so good, as Pittsburgh has one of the best front-sevens in football.
Washington's starting right guard Sam Cosmi spoke to the media on Friday and he highlighted the upcoming matchup.
"They pride themselves on playing physical, and tough, and for each other, and so do we. I can see Sunday being a fist fight for sure, just going back and forth. I'm looking forward to that, looking forward to what we have, and looking forward to what they have."
Pittsburgh and Washington have been two of the best teams in the league so far in 2024, and a big factor in deciding the winner of the Sunday matchup will be how the Commanders' offensive line can play against the Steelers' pass rush. TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith will be looking to get after Daniels, as will newly acquired Preston Smith. Pittsburgh will also need to get some push from guys like Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi.
Pittsburgh's defense is coming into this matchup fully prepared and well-rested after their bye week. Watt is coming off of what was probably his best game of the 2024 season against the New York Giants, and Highsmith's injury is further in the rearview. Pittsburgh's defense has a chance to dominate and give Daniels his first real test as an NFL quarterback. The rookie has been able to move his offense down the field with ease at times, but that won't be the case against the Steelers.
Washington has been smart when speaking to the media ahead of their matchup with Pittsburgh. Multiple times in the 2024 season, opposing players have seemed to challenge Watt and the defense, and that doesn't usually go well. Jermaine Eluemunor of the Giants spoke to the media about wanting to take on Watt all by himself when they played. In the game, he got that opportunity and Watt blew right by him for a strip sack that he recovered himself.
Steelers' Pass Rushers Have A Tough Test Ahead Against The Washington Commanders
Taking on Daniels won't be easy for Pittsburgh's pass rushers. It'll be difficult to beat the offensive line, but then once they get back to Daniels, it will be even more difficult to catch him and take him down. This will be similar to when the Steelers take on Lamar Jackson, who can often avoid sacks by using his legs to extend plays.
Pittsburgh doesn't need to sack Daniels, but if Watt and Highsmith can disrupt the young quarterback, they may be able to force him into making mistakes. Pittsburgh has the guys in the secondary that can capitalize on errors made by Daniels. Although the rookie has played like one of the best quarterbacks in the league thus far, he is still young and doesn't have a lot of experience under his belt. Pittsburgh can easily force the quarterback into making bad plays, which is likely a necessity if the Steelers want to win.
What do you expect from the Steelers' defense against Daniels?
