The Steelers star-studded defense seems to have yet another budding standout in a classic case of the rich getting richer.
On Sunday, Pittsburgh held the Los Angeles Chargers to just 10 points while registering five sacks, and the team’s sack leader may not be who you think.
Linebacker Nick Herbig, a fourth-round pick in 2023, recorded a team-leading two sacks in the win in relief for linebacker Alex Highsmith, who left the game with a groin injury.
While Herbig isn’t a household name quite yet, former NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt hints it’s only a matter of time.
“It didn’t surprise me, that kid works his tail off. We pretty much do everything together when we are in the facility,” Watt said. “The kid asks all the right questions. I’m not surprised by the performance.”
It remains to be seen how long Highsmith could be sidelined with his groin injury, but defensive tackle Cameron Heyward seems to believe he will be out at least a little bit.
“Just because you’re not starting doesn’t mean you’re not ready to play,” Heyward said. “Herbig’s been ready for it. He had a great preseason. With Alex down, I think Herbig’s ready to step up.”
Herbig was one of the Steelers biggest stars of the preseason, so it’s not surprising he picked up right where he left off. Heyward surely isn’t.
“We’re a pack of hyenas,” Heyward stated. “You dangle a little bit of meat and everybody just wants a piece. Guys are just hungry to get the sack first.”
Herbig seems to be in line to join the starting pack of hyenas next week with the chance to help wreck the game once again.
The second-year linebacker played a large part in Pittsburgh’s third straight win to open the season, but the victory itself was all that mattered to him.
“I’m not too worried about that,” Herbig said when asked about his two-sack outing. “At the end of the day, we got the dub. That’s all we can ask for. First one at home. Steeler nation showed out today, for sure.”
The Steelers (3-0) go on the road to face the Indianapolis Colts (1-2) in a Week 4 matchup that Herbig will get to try and bring down dual-threat quarterback Anthony Richardson.