The Pittsburgh Steelers' elite pass rush is officially upgraded from a duo to a trio after their defensive masterclass against the Cleveland Browns
The Pittsburgh Steelers' elite pass rush is officially upgraded from a duo to a trio after their defensive masterclass against the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers walked out of their Week 6 contest with a decisive 23-9 victory, holding Cleveland to three field goals and zero touchdowns in their first meeting of the 2025 season.
Leading the defensive charge for the Steelers once again was outside linebacker Nick Herbig. Even with the return of Alex Highsmith from injury, Herbig's star shone brightest in Week 6. He led the edge rushers in sacks (2), tackles for loss (2), and quarterback pressures (4), and spent the entire afternoon terrorizing Browns' rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
12th Starter on Defense
The rise for Herbig is meteoric, going from replacement to next defensive star in a matter of weeks. As his stock continues its ascent, the Steelers have found a way to keep all three of their elite rushers on the field.
On several third downs, the Steelers deployed all three of Herbig, HIghsmith and T.J. Watt. This choice forced Cleveland to constantly adjust its protections on offense, and that confusion helped the Steelers land so many QB pressures and tackles in the backfield.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters after the game that Herbig's performance has earned him the nod as the 12th starter on defense.
"He's playing at a pretty high level," Tomlin stated. "That's why I introduced 12 defenders today."
Haunting From Hawaii
What made this performance even more special for Herbig was the quarterback on the other side. Herbig and Gabriel are very familiar with one another. The two were both born in Hawaii and faced off during their high school football days. Long before either was an NFL difference-maker, they were battling for state championships in the last one to join the United States of America.
In 2018, Herbig recorded four sacks in the championship game. His St. Louis Crusaders sacked Gabriel nine times en route to a win and the Crusaders' third consecutive state title.
Seven years later, Herbig was again causing nightmares for Gabriel.
Through five games, Herbig is off to the best start of his NFL career. Even after missing the first game of the year due to injury, he's accumulated 12 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble and interception each as well. He's on pace to reach double-digits in sacks for the first time in his young tenure in Pittsburgh, and he should continue to receive significant opportunity to continue his breakout campaign.
BREAKING NEWS: Aaron Rodgers’ Historic Contract Secures His Future with the Steelers
In a groundbreaking move that is sending shockwaves through the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers have announced an unprecedented contract for their star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Team owner Art Rooney II revealed that Rodgers, one of the league’s most accomplished and resilient playmakers, has signed a deal that will keep him with the Steelers for life—an historic commitment that sets a new standard in the NFL. This contract is about more than football; it’s about cementing the bond between Rodgers and the city of Pittsburgh for generations to come.
“THIS ISN’T JUST A CONTRACT; IT’S A LEGACY. AARON RODGERS ISN’T JUST THE FUTURE OF THE STEELERS—HE IS PITTSBURGH. FROM THE MOMENT HE JOINED THE TEAM, HE BECAME OUR IDENTITY, OUR HEART. THIS IS MORE THAN FOOTBALL—IT’S ABOUT HONORING A CONNECTION BETWEEN PLAYER AND CITY THAT WILL LAST FOREVER,” said Rooney in a statement that has resonated deeply with both fans and players across the league.
Rodgers, who was traded to the Steelers in 2025 after an illustrious career with the Green Bay Packers, has quickly made an impact, showcasing his elite arm talent and leadership. Known for his precision passing, ability to read defenses, and ability to perform in clutch moments, Rodgers has already proven that he is a game-changer. His remarkable poise in the pocket and ability to lead the offense has made him a centerpiece of the Steelers’ offensive resurgence.
This deal, however, represents more than just a financial commitment to Rodgers' on-field performance. It’s a bold statement that the Steelers are fully invested in their future and their star quarterback. Rodgers’ deep connection to Pittsburgh, his championship pedigree, and his passion for the game have made him a beloved figure in the city, and the Steelers are making it clear that he is the foundation upon which they will build their next Super Bowl contender.
Rodgers’ ascension to the Steelers has been nothing short of spectacular. From his dominant years with the Packers to his seamless transition into Pittsburgh’s offense, Rodgers has proven that he is one of the most talented quarterbacks of all time. His football IQ, leadership, and big-game mentality have earned him the respect and admiration of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
With this new contract, Rodgers will continue to be the face of the Steelers for the foreseeable future, leading the team as they aim to compete for championships in the AFC. His presence on the field has already made the Steelers a serious Super Bowl contender, and now, with this lifetime commitment, he will be remembered as one of the most iconic figures in the history of the franchise.
As Rooney stated, “This is more than football.” This contract represents a partnership between a player and a city—a bond that will endure long after Rodgers’ playing career has ended. For the Steelers and their passionate fanbase, this is just the beginning of a new era, one where Aaron Rodgers will remain the symbol of the team’s strength, resilience, and relentless pursuit of greatness.
In an NFL where stars frequently come and go, the Steelers have ensured they will have one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time for the long haul. With Rodgers leading the charge, the future in Pittsburgh has never looked brighter. This is not just a contract; this is a legacy, and it’s one that will be remembered for years to come.
