Pittsburgh Steelers rookie OLB Nick Herbig forced the Steelers’ fourth turnover of the night, using a cross chop to get by his defender and strip-sacking quarterback Matt Barkley with 9:04 remaining in the third quarter.
For Herbig, that increases his preseason sack total to 2.5, and this was his most impactful one. The fourth-round pick hit Barkley as he tried to throw, forcing a fumble that was recovered by ILB Tanner Muse at the Pittsburgh 43-yard line.
Herbig is fighting for more reps as a backup outside linebacker. If he keeps playing the way he has through the team’s first two preseason games, he could really push Markus Golden as the third-best outside linebacker on the roster.
Herbig was knocked down but somehow managed to stay on his feet and finish the play. The Wisconsin product has been incredibly impressive throughout training camp and the preseason, and this play is another example of him making an impact.
Later in the game, Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith was interviewed by Missi Matthews on the sideline, and he offered some praise for Herbig.
“He’s ballin, man. He’s got the drive, he’s got that motor. I knew that as soon as he set foot in the facility for OTAs. He’s someone who always wants to get better, someone who always is grinding. He’s only going to keep getting better and we’re excited to see it.”
Herbig’s motor has always been his defining trait, and he’s shown it off in a big, big way since strapping on the pads for the Steelers. It’s going to be fun to watch him grow and develop as a member of the Black and Gold.
