Steelers Nation, hold onto your Terrible Towels! šš„ If you’ve been watching the Black and Gold tear through the 2025 season, you’ve probably noticed something electric on the defensive side. Enter Nick Herbig, the outside linebacker who’s not just filling ināhe’s straight-up channeling the spirit of T.J. Watt. One fan put it perfectly: “I think Nick Herbig is T.J. Watt when heās on the field. He has completely mimicked his game after 90. Plays identical to him.” And honestly? The stats and highlights back it up big time.
Let’s dive in. Herbig, in just his third year, is already leading the Steelers in sacks with a whopping 4.5 through the early gamesāedging out even Watt’s 3.5. That’s no fluke. ESPN stats show he’s beating blockers within 2.5 seconds on 36% of his pass rushes, the best rate in the NFL. Through three starts, he’s racked up 2.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble, proving he’s not just a backup; he’s a bonafide menace.
But it’s the style that’s got everyone talking. Herbig’s been Watt’s protĆ©gĆ© since day one, studying the four-time All-Pro’s every move. From the signature cross-chop-rip to blistering speed rushes, Herbig’s replicating Watt’s arsenal with eerie precision. Videos from camp show them winning reps side-by-side, and on game day? It’s like watching Watt 2.0. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin is hyped, promising Herbig’s just getting started. Even Mike Tomlin’s been pushing him, turning those run-stuffing plays into inspiration fuel.
This mimicry isn’t imitationāit’s evolution. Herbig’s morphing into a star in his own right, blending Watt’s techniques with his own relentless energy. Fans on X are exploding: “Nick Herbig is becoming an absolute BALLER… modeled his game exactly like his.” And after that strip-sack against the Browns? Pure Watt vibes, complete with the celebration nod.
With the Steelers at 4-1 and eyeing a deep playoff push, this dynamic duo (or should we say trio with Alex Highsmith?) is nightmare fuel for QBs. Imagine offenses thinking they get a breather when Watt sits, only for Herbig to pounce like an angry badger. It’s the kind of depth that wins championships.
Steelers faithful, is Herbig the heir apparent? Or is he carving his own legend? Sound off in the comments, smash that like if you’re all in on the Herbig hype, and share this to rally the Nation! #HereWeGo #SteelersDefense #HerbigSZN #WattProtege
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