It takes more than X’s and O’s to win football games in the NFL. That’s one thing I’ve learned watching the Pittsburgh Steelers over the years. Grit, depth, and the“next man up” mentality often mean more than the perfect game plan. The Steelers, sitting at 2-1, are proof of that. Their record looks solid on paper, but if you’ve been paying attention, you know it’s been anything but smooth sailing.
Injuries, inconsistencies, and adjustments have defined their season so far, and now, as they head overseas to face the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland, another challenge has emerged.
According to Steelers insider Alan Saunders, outside linebacker Alex Highsmith has officially been ruled out with an ankle injury and won’t be traveling with the team. That’s a tough blow for a defense already banged up. Joey Porter Jr. and DeShon Elliott are dealing with their own health concerns, and Teryl Austin’s unit hasn’t looked as sharp as Steelers fans expect.
Losing Highsmith, one of the cornerstones of the pass rush, in a must-win game on foreign soil feels like another gut punch.
But here’s the good news: the Steelers aren’t left empty-handed. They have Nick Herbig. And if you’ve been watching closely, you know this kid is built for moments like this.
Herbig, a fourth-round pick who plays like he’s been in the league for years, has already shown flashes of brilliance this season. His stat line is more than respectable — 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, and a forced fumble. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story.
The Pittsburgh Steelers can trust Nick Herbig to have a breakout performance in Week 4
What jumps out about Herbig is his knack for creating chain-reaction plays. He doesn’t just get pressure; he disrupts, and those disruptions turn into turnovers, short fields, and momentum shifts.
That’s the type of football the Steelers thrive on.
I’ll admit, I was concerned when I first heard Highsmith wasn’t making the trip. He’s a leader, and his chemistry with T.J. Watt gives Pittsburgh one of the most feared edge duos in the NFL. But the more I think about it, the more I believe Herbig can fill the void. He plays with a motor that doesn’t quit, and his versatility gives Austin room to get creative.
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And let’s not ignore the matchup itself.
Minnesota’s offensive line has struggled, giving up 12 sacks already this season — fifth-most in the league. That’s a vulnerable group, and Herbig will get his chances to feast. If there’s ever a game where a young edge rusher can make a name for himself, this is it.
The Steelers’ identity has always been tied to defense — physical, relentless, and opportunistic. Herbig embodies all of that. For a team trying to stay afloat while key pieces heal, his emergence is not just a bonus; it’s a necessity.
Week 4 in Dublin is already loaded with meaning — a historic international stage, a tribute to the Rooney legacy, and a chance to stack wins in a competitive AFC. Now, it’s also Nick Herbig’s moment. If he plays the way I believe he can, the Steelers might just come out of Ireland not only with a victory but with the reassurance that their future on defense is in good hands.