The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 16 matchup against the Detroit Lions is shaping up to be a physical battle, with a significant spotlight falling on rookie tight end Darnell Washington. The 6-foot-7, 264-pound behemoth has drawn high praise from none other than future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski, who highlighted Washington’s unique combination of size and athleticism. This praise underscores the challenge facing the Lions’ defense, which must find a way to combat the daunting size of the Steelers’ offensive weapons, particularly Washington. Detroit’s defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, has reportedly told his players they’ll need to ‘eat their Wheaties’ before facing the massive tight end, emphasizing the physical mismatch he presents in both the passing and running games.
While the Steelers’ offense looks to exploit a size advantage, their defense faces significant adversity. Star edge rusher T.J. Watt remains sidelined for this crucial game, a major blow to Pittsburgh’s pass rush. The TJ Watt injury situation is compounded by the fact that it stemmed from a rare complication following a routine dry needling treatment, which resulted in a collapsed lung. This medical incident, while uncommon, has highlighted the routine nature of such treatments around the NFL, with players generally not expressing concern despite the serious outcome for Watt. His absence creates a massive void in the Steelers’ defensive front.
With Watt out, the Steelers must turn to their depth at outside linebacker. Rookie Jack Sawyer is expected to be the next man up in the thinning ranks of Pittsburgh’s edge rushers. The Ohio State product, a fourth-round pick, now faces the daunting task of helping generate pressure against a potent Lions offense. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has drawn comparisons between Sawyer and a former Pittsburgh first-round pick, suggesting the coaching staff sees significant potential in the young defender. How Sawyer performs in this expanded role could be a decisive factor in the game, leading some to speculate that this Ohio State rookie could decide the Steelers’ win over the Lions.
The Lions, for their part, enter the contest dealing with their own injury concerns, as detailed in their Week 16 injury report. The status of key players will be pivotal as Detroit looks to maintain its position atop the NFC North and solidify its playoff seeding. This interconference clash carries weight for both teams’ postseason aspirations. For Pittsburgh, staying alive in the crowded AFC wild card race is paramount, while Detroit aims to secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage. The matchup pits the Steelers’ physical, size-based attack against the Lions’ high-powered offense, setting the stage for a compelling late-season showdown where emerging players like Darnell Washington and Jack Sawyer may need to become unexpected heroes.