The Pittsburgh Steelers have made it more difficult for themselves to reach the playoffs. Regardless, linebacker Nick Herbig thinks it is fitting that the Steelers must do what they must to get to the postseason.
The Steelers (9-7) host the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) in a winner-take-all for the AFC North championship at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The Steelers would also capture the division title, their first since 2020, if they play their bitter rival, the Ravens, to a tie.
"It always comes down to this game every year,” Herbig said. “Steelers and Ravens, that's what it is. It's a big game, and we got to go out there and perform."
The Steelers could have clinched the AFC North title this past Sunday, but lost 13-6 to the Cleveland Browns (4-12), who are assured of finishing in last place in the division. Instead, the Steelers forced themselves into a must-win regular-season finale. They cannot reach the playoffs without winning the division.
Conversely, the Ravens kept their playoff chances alive last Saturday by upsetting the Packers 41-24 in Green Bay. Star quarterback Lamar Jackson missed the game with a back injury, and his status for this week’s game is uncertain.
The Ravens still matched their season high in points. Derrick Henry rushed for 216 yards and four touchdowns on 36 carries. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley was an efficient 16-of-20 passing for 107 yards and a TD while also rushing for 60 yards in eight attempts.
So, even if Jackson can’t play, the Steelers’ defense should have its hands full.
"It's a unique situation, especially with the Ravens, with Lamar and Derek and obviously Huntley," Herbig said. "They can all run. They're all a threat. So, that just adds another element to the game. That's adding all 11 players, because if you don't have a mobile QB, you're focused on the running back. But that's just another level, another layer of the onion you got to peel back. We've got to dive into it. We just got to play our ball. It's a tough task.”
The Steelers beat the Ravens 27-22 on Dec. 7 in Baltimore, starting a three-game winning streak that ended in Cleveland. However, Herbig knows that beating the Ravens twice in less than a month will be a difficult task.
"We're playing a great team," he said. "Playing a great running back. He's a Hall of Fame-type guy. He's one of them ones. So, we got to bring our A game for him for sure."