Steelers Facing Criticism for Odd Decision in Bengals Loss
There really wasn’t a single great individual performance from the Pittsburgh Steelers defense against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday. But in edge rusher Nick Herbig’s case, it may have been due to the lack of opportunity.
Herbig played 29 defensive snaps for the Steelers versus their division rival in Week 7. That was 38% of the team’s snaps on defense in the matchup.
Steelers Depot’s Joe Clark argued that was far too low.
“I can understand some of the reasoning. It’s a short week. Herbig had played a lot on Sunday, and the team might not want to wear him down too early,” Clark wrote. “The Steelers got off to a bad start against the run, and Alex Highsmith has been a better run defender. But I just don’t really get the justification for having him player 26 fewer snaps than Highsmith.
“For one, Highsmith is coming off an ankle injury, which he returned from in Week 6. Highsmith probably could’ve used the rest more than the younger and healthier Herbig, and Herbig has just been so dynamic as a pass rusher this year that he needs to be playing more.”
Herbig has 4.5 sacks, six tackles for loss and 13 quarterback hits this season. He’s leads the Steelers in all three categories, and unlike All-Pros defenders T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, Herbig missed a game in September.
Steelers Pass Rush Struggles Against Bengals
The Steelers recorded two sacks versus Cincinnati in Week 7. However, quarterback Joe Flacco was far too comfortable for most of the night and tore apart the Pittsburgh secondary.
Flacco delivered a lot of short, quick passes. But the Steelers were also unable to generate much pressure when they had opportunities.
Watt, Heyward and Alex Highsmith all played at least 70% of the team’s defensive snaps in the contest. Yet, they combined for just one sack and two quarterback hits.
Highsmith recorded three tackles and no other statistics.
In limited playing time, Herbig posted two tackles and one quarterback hit.
The Steelers appeared to try a lot of different coverages to try and slow down the Bengals elite receivers Thursday. But the team made few adjustments to their defensive front during the game. That resulted in Herbig not getting a lot of playing time.
That was surprising given that he came into the game with a sack in three straight contests. Just four days prior, Herbig had two sacks and four quarterback hits in Week 6.
How Do Steelers Get Nick Herbig More Playing Time?
As head coach Mike Tomlin has said, needing to find more playing time for Herbig is a “good problem to have.” However, it’s still a problem nonetheless.
It’s an issue that Clark argued the Steelers are still trying to figure out.
“The Steelers had Herbig on the field with Highsmith and Watt in their Bronco package four times on Thursday, per Alex Kozora’s charting,” Clark wrote. “Two of those plays led to incompletions, while two of them led to gains of 10+ yards through the air.
“But the Steelers went away from it for a large part of the game, and it’s something I’d like to see them experiment with more.”
If the Steelers aren’t going to deploy the three edge rushers together, then the team will have to take away playing time from someone else to get Herbig on the field.
That’s not ideal because Watt and Highsmith are elite edge rushers. But Herbig has arguably been Pittsburgh’s most impactful defender through seven weeks. He needs to be on the field, especially if Watt and Highsmith go silent.
The Steelers should ride the hot hand at every defensive position. No one is playing better for Pittsburgh’s defense than Herbig this season.
BREAKING: Green Bay Packers Reject Elon Musk’s $500 Million Offer, Stuns the NFL
In an unexpected and bold move, the Green Bay Packers have rejected a staggering $500 million funding offer from tech billionaire Elon Musk. The decision, which has rocked the sports world, highlights the Packers’ commitment to their community and values, and sends a powerful message about resisting corporate influence in professional sports.
The Shocking Rejection
The Packers’ response to Musk’s eye-watering offer has taken the NFL by surprise. Musk, the billionaire founder of Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter, had reportedly presented a plan that would involve a substantial investment into the Packers’ roster, stadium upgrades, and the team’s overall operations. His proposal included the infusion of cutting-edge technology, enhanced data analytics, and an overhaul of fan experiences, all aimed at making the Packers a powerhouse in the NFL for years to come.
However, in a move that has stunned sports fans across the country, the Packers’ ownership, led by the Green Bay Packers' board of directors, outright rejected the offer, making it clear that they would not be swayed by outside money.
“We will NOT NEVER be bought by billionaires like you,” the statement read. “The Green Bay Packers are not for sale. We stand with the people of Green Bay against greed, racism, and corporate exploitation. Our team’s legacy is built on hard work, dedication, and community, not on the whims of billionaires.”
A Clash of Philosophies
The decision to turn down Musk’s $500 million offer is far more than just a business decision; it’s a message about the identity and values of the Green Bay Packers. Musk, known for his bold innovations in technology and business, had a vision of a high-tech future for the Packers, including advanced training methods, AI-driven player analytics, and a modernized stadium experience that would be a first in the NFL.
But this vision clashed with the Packers’ philosophy of maintaining strong community ties and staying true to their traditions. Green Bay has always been a city that prides itself on its hardworking, blue-collar ethos, and the Packers have long been a symbol of that spirit. The team’s ownership made it clear that they refuse to compromise their identity for the sake of financial gain.
“We’re not just a football team,” said the board’s spokesperson in a statement. “We are an institution built on loyalty to our fans and the city of Green Bay. Our success is based on more than just technology and data. It’s about heart, grit, and the people who have supported us for decades.”
Fans and Local Community Rally Behind the Decision
Green Bay’s passionate fanbase has quickly rallied behind the Packers’ rejection of Musk’s offer. Social media has been flooded with support from fans who view the move as a victory for the city and its sports culture. For many, the decision is a reaffirmation that the Packers belong to the people of Green Bay and are not for sale to the highest bidder.
“We don’t need Elon Musk or anyone else to tell us how to run our team,” said one local fan. “The Packers are part of this city’s soul. I’m proud that they’re standing firm on keeping the team true to its roots.”
Local politicians have also expressed support for the Packers’ decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining community ownership and avoiding corporate control over the team.
“The Packers are a symbol of Green Bay, and it’s heartening to see them reject outside interests that don’t understand our values,” said Green Bay Mayor Jane Smith. “This decision is a win for the people of Green Bay and for every fan who has cheered for this team through thick and thin.”
The Bigger Picture: Corporate Influence and NFL Ownership
The rejection of Musk’s offer brings attention to the growing influence of billionaires and corporate investors in professional sports. Over the past decade, high-profile business figures have sought to buy sports teams, offering large sums of money in exchange for control, with the promise of bringing in technological advancements and transforming the team’s future.
However, the Packers’ refusal to embrace this kind of corporate influence sends a powerful message: not every team is willing to be bought. The decision challenges the growing trend of corporate power in the NFL, showing that some teams are committed to staying true to their values and to the communities that have supported them for generations.
By rejecting Musk’s financial offer, the Packers have set a clear precedent that their success will come through sustained effort, loyalty to their fans, and a connection to the city of Green Bay — not from external investors looking to capitalize on their success.
What’s Next for the Packers?
While the rejection of Musk’s $500 million offer is a bold move, the Packers have emphasized that they will continue to focus on long-term success through traditional means. The team has stated that they will prioritize building a sustainable, competitive roster, maintaining strong community engagement, and ensuring that the Packers remain a symbol of Green Bay’s spirit and work ethic.
This decision may also inspire other NFL teams to reconsider their approach to outside investments. If the Packers’ stance resonates with fans across the league, it could lead to a shift away from billionaire control in favor of team ownership that stays grounded in community loyalty and tradition.
For now, the Green Bay Packers have emerged as leaders in the fight against corporate exploitation in sports. Whether or not other NFL teams follow their lead remains to be seen, but the Packers have certainly set a standard for what it means to resist outside control and stay true to one’s identity.
As the 2025 NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on the Packers to see how this decision impacts their performance on and off the field. One thing is certain: the Packers have proven that some things — like loyalty to Green Bay — are simply not for sale.
