![\"Steelers\u2019](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1123,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_fill,f_auto,h_900,q_auto,w_1600\/v1\/m\/e\/3\/e3b79343cfd8df0bb40dbeccecb7dc6ae5196fc4\/dec-15-2024-philadelphia-pennsylvania-usa.jpg\")
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been synonymous with a dominant defense, boasting legends like Jack Lambert, James Harrison, and more recently,\u00a0TJ Watt. As the team looks to maintain its\u00a0defensive prowess, a new name is emerging as a potential game-changer:\u00a0Nick Herbig. Despite limited opportunities in his first two seasons, Herbig\u2019s impact on the field has been nothing short of remarkable.<\/p>\n
Injuries and a crowded depth chart have limited Herbig\u2019s role over his first two seasons in Pittsburgh, but when he was on the field in 2024, he made a significant impact.<\/p>\n
His elite pass rushing underscores Herbig\u2019s efficiency and effectiveness when given the opportunity. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks places him among the league\u2019s elite, despite limited snaps.<\/p>\n
Despite a crowded edge room and time missed with injury, Herbig was still one of the most efficient pass rushers in the league last season. All of this was mentioned in\u00a0Pro Football Focus<\/em>‘\u00a0\u201cTop 25 Under 25: 10 Players Who Were Just Outside the Rankings\u201d:<\/p>\n \u201cHis 91.5 PFF pass-rushing grade ranked fourth among edge defenders, trailing only Aidan Hutchinson, Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n That\u2019s rare air. To be in a conversation with Aidan Hutchinson, Myles Garrett, and Micah Parsons \u2014 three of the NFL\u2019s most dominant defensive weapons \u2014 is no small feat. While Watt and Alex Highsmith understandably get most of the spotlight on the Steelers\u2019 edge, Herbig has quietly put himself in elite company.<\/p>\n His high grade proves he\u2019s more than just a rotational piece \u2014 he\u2019s producing impact plays at a star level when he\u2019s on the field. This isn\u2019t just about potential anymore. Herbig has already arrived.<\/p>\n \u201cHerbig posted a 19.6% pass-rush win rate, seventh among 110 qualifying edge defenders and the highest among Steelers at the position.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Not only is he grading well, but he\u2019s also winning his individual matchups more than any other edge rusher in Pittsburgh. That includes\u00a0Watt. The number ranking seventh out of 110 qualifying defenders makes Herbig\u2019s limited snap count even more baffling. It\u2019s not a matter of if he deserves more reps \u2014 it\u2019s when the coaching staff will make the shift.<\/p>\n Herbig also recorded a 13.0 pass-rushing productivity score, second only to Hutchinson for the entire 2024 season. That stat takes both pressures and sack conversions into account \u2014 another sign that Herbig doesn\u2019t just get close, he finishes plays.<\/p>\n Leading the team in pass-rush win rate highlights Herbig\u2019s potential to be a cornerstone of the Steelers\u2019 defense. His quickness and technique allow him to consistently beat offensive linemen, creating pressure that disrupts offensive game plans.<\/p>\n This productivity score reflects Herbig\u2019s knack for turning pressures into impactful plays, a trait that is invaluable for any defense aiming to shift momentum during games.<\/p>\n Herbig\u2019s journey hasn\u2019t been without challenges. In 2024, he registered 22 tackles, including 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries over 13 regular-season games. He missed four contests due to a hamstring injury and logged more than half of Pittsburgh\u2019s defensive snaps in just five of the games in which he played.<\/p>\n Despite these setbacks, Herbig\u2019s per-snap impact was significant. His ability to produce turnovers and apply pressure in limited opportunities speaks volumes about his potential when fully healthy and integrated into the defensive scheme.<\/p>\n Herbig\u2019s emergence adds depth and versatility to this already formidable group. His presence allows for creative defensive schemes and provides insurance against injuries to key players.<\/p>\n As the Steelers prepare for the 2025 season,\u00a0Herbig\u2019s role is poised to expand. With another year of experience and a full offseason to recover and train, he has the opportunity to solidify his place as a key contributor.<\/p>\n Herbig\u2019s combination of speed, technique, and football IQ makes him a valuable asset in various defensive packages. Whether as a rotational player or a starter, his ability to impact games cannot be overstated.<\/p>\n Nick Herbig\u2019s performance in 2024 showcased his potential to be a game-changer for the Steelers. Despite limited opportunities, he demonstrated elite pass-rushing abilities and a knack for creating turnovers. As he enters his third season, the stage is set for Herbig to become a central figure in Pittsburgh\u2019s defensive strategy. If he continues on this trajectory, the Steelers\u2019 defense will remain a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been synonymous with a dominant defense, boasting legends like Jack Lambert, James Harrison, and more recently,\u00a0TJ Watt. As the team looks to… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":51156,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\nSteelers Must Recognize Herbig\u2019s Rising Value<\/h4>\n