Gimme Him: Underrated Steelers LB could spark Patriots pass-rush
The Patriots could benefit from the play of Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig.
As the New England Patriots prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the team's defense could use some additional depth at the edge rusher position. Nick Herbig, an underrated linebacker from the Pittsburgh Steelers, might be just the player to provide that spark. The 26-year-old Wisconsin product was initially drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and quickly made his mark, amassing 20 combined tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles in his debut season.
His performance skyrocketed the following year, with Herbig logging 21 combined tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception in 15 games. Impressed by his work, the Steelers rewarded him with a five-year contract extension in June.
At the moment, the Patriots' defensive lineup lacks a reliable edge rusher, as Harold Landry remains sidelined due to injury. The team currently relies on a quartet of linebackers - Dre Mont Jones, Elijah Ponder, Gabe Jacas, and Quintayvious Hutchins - to fill this gap. However, on paper, this unit ranks among the most underwhelming in the NFL.
In last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Patriots' defense struggled to generate turnovers, an area where Herbig could inject some much-needed intensity. Throughout his career, Herbig has forced nine fumbles and recovered four, proving himself capable of making a significant impact on the defensive front. With the Patriots' pass rush in desperate need of a boost, Herbig's high motor and ability to create turnovers make him an ideal fit for the team.
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