Maximizing T.J. Watt's Impact: 3 key strategies to unlock success for Steelers
By Tommy Jaggi
2. Steelers should give Nick Herbig an increased role
As Watt's usage should decrease, it's time to entrust rookie Nick Herbig with a bigger role on defense. Entering Week 8, Herbig has garnered just 67 total defensive snaps, and most have these have come on running downs.
Herbig has never played more than 17 snaps in a single game, and over Pittsburgh's past three contests, the rookie is averaging a mere 7 defensive snaps per contest. This simply isn't enough usage.
Though the Steelers are clearly hesitant to take Watt and Alex Highsmith off the field, Herbig has shown promise early in his career. The crafty rookie had an excellent ghost move on a pass rush snap in Week 7 against the Rams that led to a high-quality sack. The former Wisconsin star finished the game earning 3 tackles, 1 QB hit, and 1 sack on just 12 snaps.
Herbig is the guy on the bench with the most upside, but the Steelers have another very capable player in veteran Markus Golden as well. Even in the later stage of his career, Golden has shown the ability to generate consistent pressure when given the chance. Pittsburgh needs to start relying on Nick Herbig and Markus Golden to ease the burden T.J. Watt so often has to carry.