Steelers' Limited Playing Time For Nick Herbig Has NFL Analyst Extremely Frustrated: "Kills Me"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting another shot at what has been an elusive playoff victory after securing the AFC North title with a last second win over the division rival Baltimore Ravens. While the game is at home for the Steelers, Steeler Nation is still extremely anxious since the last playoff win happened nearly a decade ago. 

Going into the playoffs this season, the Steelers have a remarkably healthy roster. In addition to their clean bill of health, the team will also get their star wide receiver, DK Metcalf, back after he served his two-game suspension. 

The biggest injury concern leading up to the playoffs was the freak lung injury of TJ Watt, which caused him to miss a few games leading up to the AFC North deciding Week 18 matchup. Watt returned to that game and played close to his normal standard by putting consistent pressure on the quarterback, as well as recording an interception. 

Despite Watt's return, the continued emergence and splash plays of another pass rusher in the Black and Gold continued to shine through. That shine was from Nick Herbig, who had a sack and two additional hurries, despite only playing 13 defensive snaps. With Watt playing his first game in nearly a month, many were expecting Herbig's role to continue to be quite large as Watt would likely have to have some ramp up time. That wasn't the case, and the low snap count has been an issue for many people throughout the season. 

On the NFL Daily, NFL Analyst Gregg Rosenthal was critical of the Steelers' lack of playing time for Herbig. 

"Wow, shots fired to TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith I guess there," Rosenthal said on comments made by Mike Tomlin. "I would include Nick Herbig in that mix, but they only played him 13 snaps last week with TJ Watt coming off of a busted lung. Like some of the decision making there kills me!"

These comments were made following Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin mentioning the Houston Texans' pass rush duo, Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson, and stating they were the "most dynamic" past rush tandem in the NFL currently. 

Having top of the line pass rushers such as Watt and Alex Highsmith, it is hard to take one of them off of the field when both are capable of making plays at any point in time. However, with the performance of Herbig, he deserves to be on the field for more than a measly 13 plays in any given week. 

The Steelers have been more open to playing all three linebackers at times in obvious passing situations, but those situations are still incredibly rare. Having Watt back and fully healthy heading into the playoffs is undoubtedly a great thing for the team. At the expense of Herbig's playing time however, might turn out to be a mistake in the long run. 

Steelers' Pass Rush Will Be Huge Key To Stopping The Houston Texans' Offense

Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin spoke with the media leading up to the playoff game with the Texans, and discussed how breakout cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will be matched up with the Texans' big-play wide receiver, Nico Collins, at times throughout the game. Austin did mention however that Porter won't be handling that duty alone, and the defense's schematics will help limit Collins. 

Some of those schematics will undoubtedly rely on the ability for the Steelers' pass rush to make Texans quarterback CJ Stroud uncomfortable in the pocket and limit his time to throw. The Steelers were one of the best teams at rushing the passer this season finishing yet again in the top five in sacks for the year, but all of the Steelers' pass rushers will need to be making an impact on Monday night for the team to break their playoff wins drought.  

Do you think the Steelers should be finding any way possible to get Herbig on the field, or is limiting him to rotational reps helping his effectiveness? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share all of your Steelers takes with me on X @matt_papiernik and follow me. 

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