Steelers’ Teryl Austin Drops A Strong Hint That Nick Herbig Is Going To Have A Larger Role In 2024: "He’s Playing More This Year"

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Nick Herbig in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Although he didn't have a major role during his rookie season, he made his presence felt during his limited time on the field. Herbig played 191 snaps in the 2023 season, earning an impressive overall grade of 80.7 from Pro Football Focus.

There are many reasons to be excited about the young linebacker. In his rookie season, Herbig recorded two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three sacks, and 27 combined tackles. Steelers fans have witnessed a tremendous offseason, with successful draft picks and free agency acquisitions. The Steelers bolstered their linebacker room by signing Patrick Queen and drafting Payton Wilson. They also received an update on Cole Holcomb's anticipated return.

Herbig's potential as an exciting pass rusher has fans buzzing. Despite his limited role, he wreaked havoc on the field, which has made Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin confident in giving Herbig more opportunities in 2024. Austin spoke with the media on the second day of the Steelers' minicamp, expressing his enthusiasm for Herbig's future with the team.

"You get used to NFL football the first year. The second year, you get a jump because now you kind of understand the game. And that's what I see with him. He understands what's going on around him... When you look at what he did last year and the limited amount of reps he played, his impact was pretty good. So if he's playing more this year, it wouldn't surprise me. And I wouldn't be like 'We gotta get the other guys back in.' I would be trustful of what he's gonna do when he's in the game."

Austin hinted that Herbig might be playing a more prominent role in the upcoming season. He emphasized that the defense would be comfortable with Herbig on the field and expressed confidence in his ability to play good football. This confidence is a testament to Herbig's dedication and skill development.

Herbig mentioned this offseason that he was thankful for T.J. Watt's decision to skip Organized Team Activities (OTAs). This absence provided Herbig with valuable opportunities to develop and get meaningful reps, which he might not have otherwise received. These extra reps have been crucial in helping him refine his techniques and improve his overall performance.

The Steelers are very optimistic about what they have in Herbig, and his progress has added a lot of excitement to the linebacker room. The coaching staff and teammates alike have been impressed with his work ethic and ability to quickly adapt to the demands of the position. 

As a result, there is a growing anticipation to see how Herbig will perform during the 2024 regular season, and many are eager to witness his potential impact on the field. The linebacker room, already filled with talent, continues to become even more competitive and dynamic with Herbig's development, making it one of the most exciting aspects of the team going into the new season.

Steelers' Offense Should Help The Defense In 2024

The Steelers' defense is the highest paid in football and has carried the team for several seasons. With upgrades on offense across the board, except for the wide receiver position, and a new system in place, the Steelers' offense is now poised to carry more of the load. This should take some pressure off the loaded defense. If the offense can perform consistently and the defense maintains its high standards, the Steelers should be in for a strong season.

Steelers fans are excited to see Herbig get more opportunities in his second season. He played tremendously when given chances during his rookie year, and his performance has generated a lot of optimism. The future of the Steelers' linebacker position looks promising, with Herbig set to take a significant leap forward in 2024.

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