The Pittsburgh Steelers simply prolonged EDGE Nick Herbig, who types one of many NFL’s strongest trios on the place with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. How this appears transferring ahead stays to be seen. The purpose of this text is to have a look at some cross rush and run protection stats, giving context to what went nicely and what is going to hopefully enhance after Herbig’s payday.
First, right here’s a pass-rushing chart. Included is Professional Soccer Focus’ Move Rush Productiveness metric (PRP = a method that mixes sacks, hits, and hurries relative to what number of occasions gamers rush the passer) and pass-rush win charge (proportion of wins versus blocking on non-penalty cross rush snaps):
Right here we see that two Steelers landed above the imply in every in 2025, together with Herbig. He led the trio with a 16.9-percent pass-rush win charge that ranked tenth among the many 43 EDGE rushers with not less than 600 regular-season snaps. That’ll get you paid.
Herbig additionally had an above-average 8.3 cross rush productiveness quantity that tied for Nineteenth. In different phrases, Herbig defeated the blocker in entrance of him at a top-10 charge and had above common manufacturing in comparison with his snap rely. There may be hopefully extra room for development on the latter.
Right here’s how the three stacked up within the stats (43 qualifiers):
Herbig: 16.9-percent win charge (tenth), 8.3 PRP (T-Nineteenth).
Highsmith: 16.1-percent win charge (14th), 8.9 PRP (14th).
Watt: 12.4-percent win charge (twenty third), 6.2 PRP (thirty seventh).
We see that Highsmith had one of the best steadiness of the 2, rating high 15 in every. Watt definitely had a down yr. To not make excuses, however he sees double (and triple) groups at one of many highest charges within the NFL. Assuming the trio stays intact for 2026, having all three on the sphere far more than final season may gain advantage all three.
Now for some run protection. Listed below are run protection common sort out depth and run protection missed sort out charges:
Zooming again in on Herbig, we are able to see there have been terrific and horrible components to his run protection. On the intense aspect, his 0.2 common sort out depth ranked second, bested solely by not too long ago traded Myles Garrett. A relatively spectacular feat. The opposite aspect of the coin for Herbig had a second-worst 23.8-percent missed sort out charge towards the run although. It’s true that Nick Herbig is greater than a cross rusher, however in these phrases his run protection was relatively risky.
Right here’s the Steelers trio’s run protection stat breakdown:
Herbig: 0.2 common sort out depth (2nd), 23.8-percent missed sort out charge (forty second).
Highsmith: 2.1 common sort out depth (T-Fifteenth), 5.0-percent missed sort out charge (third).
Watt: 2.4 common sort out depth (T-Twenty first), 11.4-percent missed sort out charge (twenty fifth).
The final word purpose for my part is an everybody wins mentality, attacking opposing offenses with ferocity as a bunch. Hopefully this contains the Steelers utilizing Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig in additional three-outside linebacker packages than they did in 2025. That might assist every of them construct on their pass-rushing success and counter the eye opposing groups place on one participant (Watt would love that).
Herbig blew up performs when making run tackles but in addition whiffed far more continuously than is right. That’s the most important factor we hopefully see enhance from his 2025 season. That might pair properly with continued pass-rush success, which was the principle motive for Herbig receiving his new contract extension.
