Without the services of star outside linebacker T.J. Watt and do-everything rotational piece Nick Herbig Sunday against the Detroit Lions, the Pittsburgh Steelers had to turn to rookie fourth-round pick Jack Sawyer at Ford Field.
And Sawyer found himself matched up against arguably the best right tackle in football in Lions star Penei Sewell. That’s a tough matchup for some of the best edge defenders in the game, let alone a rookie making his first NFL start.
And yet, Sawyer more than held his own in the Steelers’ 29-24 win. He wasn’t all that impactful as a pass rusher, but the Ohio State product was sound against the run, making some splash plays as a run defender with some sound moments in coverage.