On the heels of shutting down the NFL’s No. 1-ranked offense and scoring an upset victory, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense earned a league individual honor.

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith on Wednesday was named AFC defensive player of the week for Week 9. Highsmith had two of the Steelers’ six sacks and one of their two strip-sacks of Daniel Jones during the 27-20 triumph over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.

Highsmith had four tackles overall — three solo and three for loss — in addition to a tipped pass. He also was part of a run defense that limited NFL rushing leader Jonathan Taylor to a season-low 45 yards on 14 carries.

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Highsmith wasn’t the Steelers’ only viable candidate for the award. Inside linebacker Payton Wilson had a team-high 13 tackles (nine solo), an interception and a tipped pass that resulted in another interception of Jones.

Highsmith is the Steelers’ first defensive player of the week in almost exactly a calendar year — T.J. Watt earned it for Week 8 last season.

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