Pittsburgh Review

Nick Herbig, an outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been named the Steelers Digest Player of the Week. Despite limited playing time in the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions on Saturday at Ford Field, Herbig made a significant impact.

In a game where Coach Mike Tomlin opted to keep both T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the sidelines, Herbig participated in fewer than twelve defensive snaps. Nevertheless, he concluded the match with three tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble recovered by defensive end Dean Lowery.

Herbig's performance was particularly notable during three consecutive plays early in the game. He sacked quarterback Herndon Hooker for a five-yard loss on first down; contributed to a wave of pressure that resulted in Keeanu Benton and DeMarvin Leal sharing a sack on second down; and executed a strip-sack on third down, giving the Steelers offense possession at the Lions' 35-yard line. This sequence led to an increase in their lead from 7-0 to 14-0 within six plays.

Others considered for this recognition included outside linebacker Julius Welschof, who recorded two sacks; defensive back Cam Sutton, who secured an interception; inside linebacker Mark Robinson, who tied for the team lead with eight tackles and had a hit on the quarterback; running back Cordarrelle Patterson, who carried three times for 31 yards including a 31-yard touchdown run marking the Steelers' first touchdown of the game; wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick, who caught two passes for 64 yards and made a tackle on special teams; and punter Cameron Johnston, who punted five times averaging 45.8 yards with three punts landing inside the 20-yard line.