Alex Highsmith’s notable 2025 season, where he led the Pittsburgh Steelers with 9.5 sacks, is largely attributed to a crucial adjustment in his stance. Instead of his previous three-point stance, Highsmith switched to standing with his outside foot up, unlocking greater explosiveness on passing downs.
In a recent interview with Jon Gruden, Highsmith explained,
“I switched it this year. My first few years, I was in [a] three-point stance on passing downs. But this year, I put my outside foot up. So I’m on the right side. So I put my right foot up.”
This change allowed him to load quickly and attack with more power and speed when the quarterback made his move.
“And then as soon as I saw like the QB get the indicator, the guard tapping the center, and I’m already loaded. So just going like this, loading off this leg. And then just playing off like that.”
Statistical Evidence Demonstrates Dramatic Stance Shift
Evidence from game charting highlights this shift over the three seasons from 2023 to 2025, focusing on third-and-long scenarios (3rd and 6+ yards). Highsmith’s use of the three-point stance (hand on the ground) dropped significantly:
• 2023: 15.8% of snaps (19 of 120)
• 2024: 33.3% of snaps (24 of 72)
• 2025: 2.7% of snaps (2 of 75)
For the entire 2025 season, Highsmith kept his hand off the ground on 99.1% of passing plays, a dramatic decline compared to over 28% in 2024. This adjustment contributed to his increased explosiveness off the line and enhanced overall performance.
Comparing Stances: Highsmith and T.J. Watt
Highsmith’s stance contrasts with fellow Steelers defender T.J. Watt, who primarily utilizes the traditional hand-down position on passing downs. In 2025, Watt kept his hand on the ground 94% of the time on 3rd and long situations, with his right foot forward, complementing his left hand’s position.
Each stance offers individual advantages, and while no single approach is universally best, Highsmith’s transition seems clearly effective for his style. It allowed him to approach near double-digit sacks for the second time in his career and shine in run defense.
Maintaining Momentum with Health as a Priority in 2026
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Highsmith aims to build on his breakout year while managing his physical condition. He plans to prioritize avoiding the nagging soft-tissue injuries, especially groin strains, that sidelined him for a combined 10 games over the last two seasons. Staying healthy remains a crucial goal to sustain and improve his impact on the field for the Steelers.
