Second goes out the window without TJ
Probably, although it's going to be an interesting experiment to see what happens for the Steelers when they replace an injured Watt with genuinely useful pass rushers rather than trivia answers. Golden and Herbig have had good seasons considering their limited opportunity and not just through luck. Part of me thinks there's a timeline where this is Herbig's coming out party.
The problem there is - and what would have been a problem even with Watt - is right now I don't think the Steelers defence does enough to force guys to hold onto it and get into trouble. There's usually someone open before Watt/Highsmith can get there. With a fit secondary and ILB room that might be different... but that's not the case.
Also the Steelers run defence has been very hit and miss and I think that could provide an easy outlet for Buffalo.
The Bills only really struggle against the run when they have a passing game threat to worry about. They also were missing DaQuan Jones who is great against the run for most of the year. Rudolph is going to have to show them something downfield to get them off of the run, or it's going to be a long day for Pittsburgh's offense.
I did kind of wonder as it's not something I associate with the Bills.
That said... Rudolph can absolutely show something downfield, particularly if the Bills are stacking the box, if he is given time to make his throw. The thing I worry about is him having the time. He has not historically been a guy who handles pocket pressure well and he's not faced the sort of opposition that allows him to show that's no longer true.
