Behind the Steel Curtain
First-round pick Derrick Harmon is continuing to make an impact on the Steelers’ defense.
The rookie defensive tackle out of Oregon didn’t make his NFL debut until Week 3 following a knee injury during the preseason. The Steelers haven’t lost since.
Harmon earned a sack of Drake Maye in his NFL debut against New England. Pittsburgh’s run defense has been noticeably better with Harmon a part of their front.
The Jets (182) and Seahawks (117) combined for 299 yards rushing in the first two games, as many as the Ravens had in the 2024 wild card round.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has been impressed by Harmon’s growth and development.
“What I’ve seen is a guy who is exactly what we thought he was when we drafted him. He’s a really good pass rusher,” Austin told the media Tuesday. “He’s got a big, big ceiling.”
The Steelers have allowed an average of 85 yards rushing to their last three opponents. Cleveland ran for 65 yards.
Harmon earned four tackles, two quarterback hits, and one sack against Dillon Gabriel and Cleveland’s offense on Sunday, playing 59% of the snaps.
In his early career, Harmon owns seven tackles and two sacks. The Steelers face Joe Flacco and the Bengals on a short week. The Steelers are 0-6 under Mike Tomlin on the road against AFC North opponents on Thursday night, looking to right their ship and grow their lead in the division race.
