The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense has faced challenges through the initial weeks of the season, ranking 21st in EPA per play and allowing the seventh-most rushing yards per game. However, the team appeared to regain some momentum in their recent win against the New England Patriots, where they forced five turnovers to secure a 21-14 victory.
A standout performer in this game was edge rusher Nick Herbig, who has emerged as a promising talent for the Steelers’ defense. In the Week 3 matchup, Herbig recorded eight pressures, ranking him third in the NFL for the week. His performance was highlighted by four quick pressures, placing him alongside elite names such as Micah Parsons and Yaya Diaby. Additionally, Herbig’s get-off speed was the second-fastest in the league, demonstrating his quickness at the line of scrimmage.
Herbig, a product of Wisconsin, has excelled as a pass rusher in the early part of the 2025 season. According to Next Gen Stats, he has accumulated 12 pressures on 65 pass rush attempts. In comparison, the renowned T.J. Watt registered the same number of pressures but over a larger span of 83 rushes. Impressively, all of Herbig’s pressures have been quick, indicating his ability to reach the quarterback swiftly before plays fully develop.
With Alex Highsmith recovering from an ankle injury, the Steelers are encouraged to keep Herbig in a prominent role. As he proves to be a crucial asset to their defense, the team is looking toward him as the potential long-term successor to Watt. His continued presence on the field is essential as the Steelers aim to fortify their defense and Herbig’s performance suggests a bright future for the unit.