Nick Herbig makes Derrick Henry pay on first play of Steelers vs. Ravens game

Well, that didn't take long. On the second play of the game, Nick Herbig reminded Pittsburgh Steelers fans how valuable he is to this team. Ravens running back carried the ball up the middle, but Herbig pursued him from behind and punched the ball out.

A swarm of Steelers quickly pounced on the football. In an instant, all the momentum swung in Pittsburgh's favor.

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith spent time during his media session this week praising the unstoppable Derrick Henry. Smith was the offensive coordinator in Tennessee when Henry was in the prime of his career.

Now in his 30s, Henry is having a career season in his first year with the Baltimore Ravens. But Herbig wanted to ensure the buck stops here.

Return of Nick Herbig comes in the nick of time for Steelers

Herbig's presence couldn't be felt at a better time. After missing action the past few weeks, starting edge rusher Alex Highsmith suffered an ankle injury in Pittsburgh's win over the Washington Commanders and has a timetable to return of 2-3 weeks.

Now the Steelers aren't skipping a beat with Herbig stepping in to fill the void. Alongside newcomer Preston Smith, Pittsburgh still has a capable trio of pass rushers, even with Highsmith sidelined.

Game-changing plays like forced fumbles and fumble recoveries against division rivals like the Ravens could alter the outcome of the game. The Pittsburgh Steelers have the early momentum, and with a few more plays like this from the defense, they could be celebrating their biggest win of the season.