The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off of a tough loss to the Cleveland Browns, but the team has still had a strong year in 2024. They currently sit at 8-3 and are still at the top of the standings in the AFC North, although the Baltimore Ravens closed the gap with a win in Week 12. The Steelers have another important game within the division in Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals, who need to win out if they want to have any chance of making the postseason. The game won't be easy for Pittsburgh, but thankfully they have a rising star in Nick Herbig who has been making timely plays.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig tackles Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith during a Week 17 game in the 2023 season.
Herbig had high expectations set for him ahead of the 2024 season, as the second-year defender showed flashes during his rookie season in 2023. He has lived up to all the hype, whether that is playing behind Alex Highsmith or starting in his place while he is recovering from injury. Highsmith suffered a low-ankle sprain during the Steelers' Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders, and Herbig has started for him in each of the last two contests. Herbig was named the Defensive Player Of The Week by Pro Football Focus for his efforts in Week 12.
"Herbig was outstanding in the Steelers’ loss to the Browns on Thursday Night Football, earning an elite 94.6 PFF pass-rush grade," Gordon McGuinness wrote for PFF. "He registered four total pressures, forced a fumble and recorded four tackles that resulted in defensive stops."
This is a bit of a surprise for Steelers fans, as PFF doesn't seem to usually play into Pittsburgh's favor. The company's new-world look on analytics is the main reason TJ Watt was robbed of the NFL's Defensive Player Of The Year Award in favor of Myles Garrett in 2023. It is good to see some players in Pittsburgh getting some love from PFF, especially Herbig who is just in his second season.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie edge rusher Nick Herbig (#51) takes a knee on the sidelines prior to a 2023 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Herbig has struggled some with injury during the 2024 season, but when he has been on the field, he has been spectacular. He got to the quarterback for a strip sack in the loss to the Browns with just under eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter as the Steelers were down eight points. Pittsburgh was able to recover the fumble, and just a few plays later, the offense scored to take the lead. Obviously Pittsburgh wound up losing the game, but they wouldn't of even had a chance if it wasn't for the young outside linebacker.
The second-year player also made a huge play in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. Herbig came from behind and brought down Derrick Henry and forced a fumble on just the second play of the game. This early turnover led to three points for the Steelers, which was pivotal in what wound up being just a two-point win for Pittsburgh.
Herbig keeps finding ways to make splash plays for Pittsburgh, and hopefully that continues if Highsmith can't play against the Bengals in Week 13.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig stand on the sideline during the National Anthem.
Steelers' Nick Herbig Has Shown A Ton Of Potential Early In His Career
Herbig played in all 17 games during his rookie year, but started none of them and still recorded three sacks. He has already surpassed that number in 2024 despite missing significant time due to injury. Herbig is still learning, but thankfully he has two of the best in the game to show him the ropes in Watt and Highsmith. Herbig should be an important figure on the Pittsburgh defense for years to come, and he should continue to improve as he gains more experience.
What do you think about Herbig being named the best defender in the league in Week 12? Let us know in the comments below!
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