A short week is always a prime opportunity for good teams to slip up. The Steelers are no exception, and while the Browns aren’t the stout competitor many thought they would be, AFC North games are always close. Add in a draining divisional game against the Ravens and Pittsburgh can’t be caught sleeping this week.
Cleveland still has some viable pieces that can hurt you. Nick Chubb is getting stronger each week, and while the offense isn’t consistent, it has some big play threats that can open up the game. Jerry Juedy is coming off a dynamic game while Cedrick Tillman has come into his own as of late. On defense, a stout front four headlined by Myles Garrett is never easy to stop.
After nailing last week's key player, I feel pretty good about who I’m picking this week. On paper, the Steelers should roll, but I’m expecting a close game that comes down to the wire. Forcing some negative plays will be key, and this player has a prime matchup that he can exploit.
Steelers need a big game from the pass rush
Nick Herbig has really come into his own as a situational pass rusher. He works best in a rotation, but his speed off the edge is hard to combat. Despite being undersized, he hasn’t been horrible against the run. All in all, the second-year defender looks like a natural fit in this defense.
He should be in line for his fourth start of the season as Alex Highsmith is still nursing an injury. He also gets to tee off against Germain Ifedi, the backup left tackle, who has never been viewed as a top-level blocker. He can easily feast off this matchup.
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Frankly, the impact can go two ways. The most cut-and-dry way he can live up to expectations is if the Browns opt to chip and double-team T.J. Watt. If that happens, Herbig needs to exploit his matchup and be a game-wrecker. On the flip side of things, if he can make enough noise early, he could also command some additional attention, allowing Watt to see some one-on-one rushes. Either option works and would go a long way in securing a win.
Jameis Winston has played in his usual hot and cold manner since taking over as the starter. He looked dynamic against the Ravens, struggled against the Chargers, and played clean last week against the Saints. A constant stream of pressure can rattle him though, and he still tends to make bad decisions with the ball.
While Herbig can be a threat off the edge all game, he can also draw some attention to himself to open the door up for Watt to have some easier looks. Either way, it gets pressure on Winston, stalls drives, and could even potentially lead to some turnovers. A savage pass rush is needed this week, and Herbig could end up being the key to a close win.