The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their tough, gritty defense, and in recent years, the strength of their outside linebackers has been a key factor. When T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig are all healthy, it’s a recipe for chaos against opposing offenses. Let’s take a closer look at why having all three of these players in the lineup is such a game-changer.

First up is T.J. Watt, the heart and soul of the Steelers’ defense. He’s a playmaker like no other, known for his relentless effort and knack for getting to the quarterback. Each year, Watt is in the conversation for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, as he can turn a game on its head at any moment—whether it’s through a sack, a forced fumble, or an interception. Opposing teams often have to scheme specifically to contain him, using slide protections, chips, and double-teams, which opens up opportunities for his teammates to shine. When Watt is healthy and in the mix, the entire defense benefits from his presence on the field.

Next is Alex Highsmith. He’s proven he can capitalize on the attention Watt draws, establishing himself as a force on the edge. When both of them are on the field, it creates all kinds of problems for offensive coordinators. Against the New York Giants, for instance, we saw how they can attack from different sides of the defense, adding a new wrinkle to their play. Highsmith has shown he can make some serious noise, like when he racked up 12 quarterback pressures and 2 sacks in a single game. With Watt and Highsmith working in tandem, offenses are in for a rough time.

Last but not least is Nick Herbig. He may be the youngest in this trio, but he’s got a knack for making big plays when it counts, and he brings energy and hustle that sparks the defense. When healthy, Herbig adds depth that keeps everyone fresh. With all three of them rotating, the Steelers can maximize their edge pressure, making it tough for offenses to find any rhythm.

When Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig are all healthy, it’s not just about individual talent—it’s about creating havoc together. This trio can generate pressure, force turnovers, and make life miserable for quarterbacks, which is exactly what fans love to see from this Steelers defense.

Having this trio healthy also boosts team morale. They trust each other on the field, building a solid sense of teamwork and accountability. Plus, the friendly competition between them pushes each player to bring their A-game every week. When they’re all working together, it creates a killer atmosphere that elevates the entire defense.

With the bye week behind them, hopefully, Nick Herbig will be back on the field, and the trio will be firing on all cylinders. As the Steelers aim for success this season, we can expect these guys to make some serious noise, creating chaos for opposing offenses and bringing that juice that all of Steelers Nation loves to see.