Steelers' Nick Herbig On How The OLB Room's Unique Chemistry Is Part Of What Makes This Team Special

This Pittsburgh Steelers team just feels different. It feels special. Perhaps it is that nearly everyone counted them out before the season began, saying they would finish near the bottom of the AFC North. However, it isn't just the fans who are excited about how this team is playing; the players also note the difference in this locker room. Part of that difference is how the players all support each other. It isn't about individual statistics. It is about winning. 

Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig is one of those players who makes major contributions to this team in nearly every game. He recently joined his teammate Christian Kuntz on his show, The Christian Kuntz Podcast. They talked about Herbig's unlikely NFL story, from a small Hawaiian island to playing in the pros on the same team as his idol and mentor, TJ Watt, and his brother, Nate Herbig.     

Herbig told Kuntz that Steelers Outside Linebackers Coach Denzel Martin has been incredible, as have their star linebackers Watt and Alex Highsmith. He said it is a really special group because they aren't worried about themselves; they are worried about the defense as a whole, and he credited Watt and Highsmith with having a major impact on his success. 

"But just having TJ and Alex in the room, being like mentors," explained Herbig. "Bro, that's all we talk about is pass rushing, handwork, and how we're going to beat a guy. Like Alex is on the sideline last game like, 'Herb, I see this, like blah blah blah, do this.' I'm like, 'Bet,' and it works. Just, the chemistry we have in the room is on a different level."

Tre Tipton, one of the show's co-hosts, said Herbig's situation is much different than what you usually hear. He said that most stories from the league are about how guys don't want to totally extend that helping hand. This is their livelihood, and they don't want to risk their starting spot or their paycheck. Kuntz agreed, echoing how special this team feels. 

"I said it before," said Kuntz. "This team, we just wanna win. I feel like no one gives a s*** about any stat, any sack, anything. We just wanna win."

It is a good thing that the linebacker's room is so strong because they have needed it this year. Highsmith suffered a groin injury in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers, keeping him out until the Week 7 matchup against the New York Jets. Then, frustratingly enough, he suffered an ankle injury during the Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders. Fortunately, it was a low ankle sprain, and he is hopeful to return for the Week 14 game against the Cleveland Browns. 

Since Highsmith has been out, Herbig, who suffered his own ankle injury in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys, has been seeing a lot more action. In the eight games he has played, he has four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, 4.5 sacks, 17 total tackles, and eight quarterback hits. That included his huge forced fumble and a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13 that led to a defensive touchdown.  

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Salivating Over This Group

No one is more excited about this group of outside linebackers than Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Because of the injuries, they added Preston Smith to the group a few weeks ago. 

During a recent press conference, Tomlin put the rest of the league on notice. He said that with the return of Highsmith, they will be a dangerous group. He said that between how talented Highsmith and Watt already are, Herbig's development, and the addition of Smith, they will be a rushing machine.  

Highsmith is often underappreciated outside of the Steel City, but Tomlin knows the value of the linebackers room, and he believes heading into this final stretch of the season, the rest of the NFL will know, too. 

Do you see the chemistry that Herbig mentions in the outside linebacker room? Click to comment below. 

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