The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a critical early-season juncture with a 2-2 record, and outside linebacker Nick Herbig isn't mincing words about the team's defensive performance. Speaking to the media, Herbig delivered a blunt assessment of where the unit stands and what must change going forward.
When asked about his perspective on the team's opening stretch, Herbig kept his focus strictly on the team's record rather than on individual achievements, in a video shared on X by 93.7 The Fan.
“To be quite honest with you, not good. We’re 2-2 and that’s really the only thing that matters to me is winning football games. I could care less about the stats and grades and whatnot. So I think a lot of that falls on the defense. We’ve gotta play
better. We can’t be giving up 27 points, especially to division rivals, two of them already. So, we need to play better ball on the defensive side of things,” explained Herbig.
Nick Herbig keeps it real with his assessment of how he and the #Steelers defense have played pic.twitter.com/RPA3LCy39e
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) October 6, 2026
Herbig’s candid response highlights a growing accountability within the Steelers' locker room. Despite any positive personal metrics or high analytics grades he or his teammates may be receiving, the linebacker made it clear that success is measured purely in wins and losses.
The primary area of concern for Pittsburgh centers on keeping opponents off the scoreboard. Yielding 27 points, particularly in divisional matchups where tiebreakers and playoff positioning are always at a premium, puts immense pressure on the already struggling offense and strays from the traditionally stingy defensive standard expected in Pittsburgh.
For the Steelers to turn their season around, the defense will need to respond to Herbig's call to action. Tightening up coverage, improving tackling, and making key stops against AFC North rivals will be essential steps if Pittsburgh hopes to rise above .500 and contend for a postseason berth.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Nick Herbig demands better from Steelers defense after 2-2 start
