PITTSBURGH — Along with punter Cameron Johnston, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig also had a standout performance in Saturday night’s preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. Johnston and Herbig were two highlights from what was a rather lackluster outing by the Steelers, especially on offense.
Herbig recorded six total tackles (four solos), 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss and two quarterback hits. He was also in on two special teams tackles. It certainly was a banner night for the Hawaii native and former Wisconsin Badger. After one of his sacks on former teammate Mitch Trubisky, Mike Tomlin referred to him as “Mr. Herbig” as he came to the sideline.
“That’s probably, like, top-five feeling in the world,” Herbig said with a big smile.
Tomlin expects big things from Herbig in Year 2.
“Herbig is an example of our expectations for year two guys,” Tomlin said after a training camp practice at St. Vincent College. “He showed some flashes a year ago… we’re just getting him to develop all components of his game and being varsity in all areas. He’s definitely capable of that and focused on that.”
Herbig recorded 27 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles in 17 games played as a rookie. Herbig feels like he’s ready to take a big leap this season.
“I think there’s never going to be a true time when you’re like, ‘OK, I’m ready.’ When the lights come on, you’ve gotta show up,” Herbig said. “You’ve just gotta stay ready so you don’t gotta get ready.”
Herbig has two great mentors in veteran outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Watt also trains with Watt in Wisconsin during the offseason.
“I think just recognizing alignments and pre-snap things, stuff I wasn’t keen to last year,” Herbig said of his growth from Year 1 to Year 2. “I think that’s coaching and being around guys like T.J., Alex and seeing how they go about their business and trying to take mental notes of that.”
Herbig also got pass rushing tips from Steelers legend James Harrison after a training camp practice at St. Vincent College a few weeks ago. Harrison was showing him his vintage dip-rip move.
“That was awesome,” Herbig said about learning from Harrison. “Obviously he’s a Hall of Famer, he’s a legend here in Pittsburgh. Just being able to pick his brain for a little bit and get a few new tools in my toolbox that I can use.”
Herbig hopes that he can build off his impressive performance against the Bills. He feels like he’s playing for a bigger purpose than just himself.
“Any time I get a chance to strap the helmet up I feel like I have the whole state of Hawaii on my back,” Herbig said. “From my brother, to my parents, to my grandparents. Everybody that raised me and made me who I am, brought me up in this life. I feel like I got the whole community on my back, so I am really going out there for a bigger purpose.”
