BREAKING: Steelers May Be Hiding a Future Superstar — Fans Stunned After Mike Tomlin Benches His Hottest Pass Rusher in Crucial Bengals Loss
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Week 7 looking to build momentum, but instead left Cincinnati stunned, defeated, and searching for answers. What was supposed to be a rebound performance turned into a baffling night of missed opportunities.
Despite a strong offensive effort that put 31 points on the board, Pittsburgh’s defense faltered when it mattered most. Joe Flacco, at 40 years old, shredded their secondary while the pass rush looked unusually flat and uninspired.
At the center of the storm was Nick Herbig, the rookie edge rusher coming off the best game of his young career. Yet, in a surprising move, head coach Mike Tomlin kept him on the sidelines for most of the contest.
“It’s hard to understand,” one team insider remarked. “When your most explosive pass rusher barely sees the field in a game like that, fans have every right to question the decision.”
Herbig had been electric just a week prior, tallying two sacks, multiple quarterback hits, and earning one of the highest defensive grades in the league. His momentum seemed unstoppable — until it was suddenly halted in Cincinnati.
The lack of defensive pressure became painfully obvious. While T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith struggled to break through protection, Herbig watched from the sideline, helmet on, ready but unused as the Bengals marched down the field.
Fans quickly voiced their frustration online, accusing the coaching staff of wasting talent and failing to adjust. Many argued that Herbig’s energy and burst could have changed the outcome of the tight, high-scoring matchup.
As the Steelers look ahead, one question now looms large over the franchise — will they finally unleash Nick Herbig’s full potential, or continue to bench the very player who might be their next defensive superstar?
