Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle and co-captain, Cam Heyward spoke to the media Wednesday. Like all players and coaches this week, he was asked about Damar Hamlin and how that is impacting his focus this week. He also addressed how he and the other players are able to keep their eye on the prize.
(Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Steelers' Heyward Stays Focused With Some Help From Tomlin
Hamlin, who plays safety for the Buffalo Bills, is a Pittsburgh native. He grew up in McKees Rocks and attended the University of Pittsburgh. On Monday night, Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field while the Bills were playing the Cincinnati Bengals. The attack occurred immediately following a collision between Hamlin and Bengals wide receiver, Tee Higgins. It is still unclear if the collision and the attack are related.
Obviously, the Steelers players feel a special connection to former Pitt players as they share the same facilities, but it is impossible not to feel concerned and worried for a young man suffering this during the prime of his life.
When asked if something like this becomes the focus Heyward responded:
"Everybody is always going to be thinking about that kid and what happened," said Heyward. "Nobody ever thinks that risk is ever going to take place. Right now, I can only continue to do my job and guys are going to do that. But definitely thinking about that kid."
Heyward went on to say that he wasn’t even watching the game, but after receiving numerous texts from friends, his wife Allie switched it on:
"That can happen to anybody," said Heyward. "It's happened in different sports before. Thankfully we have first responders and nurses and doctors that are right there for us. Not everybody is given that benefit. I would like to think we are more protected than a lot of other people. All we can do is keep thinking about that guy, keep him in our prayers, and hope he makes a full recovery. Just thinking about him."
Pittsburgh still has a slim chance of making the playoffs, about 19% after beating the Baltimore Ravens last week. While it might be a challenging time, the team has to stay focused on the upcoming Cleveland Browns game.
If the Steelers beat Cleveland and the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins both lose, the team will earn a Wild Card spot. Those games will be occurring at the same time as the Steelers game, but Heyward said they can’t think about that. While it may be necessary for the other teams to lose, the most important factor is the Steelers winning and Heyward knows it:
"Stay focused on the task at hand," said Heyward. "For us to make it to the playoffs, it doesn't matter if we don't win our game. I don't really need to look around. We need to be locked in on this game, because the Cleveland Browns are going to come in here and try and beat us."
The Steelers have become a more focused team since the bye week. The team is finally firing on all cylinders. While there is still work to be done, it is a positive sign to see them trending in the right direction:
"We put in the work for a reason," said Heyward. "We come ready every week to get better. That is not without our faults. I embrace it all. This team does. We're not surprised by where we are. We just have to keep growing. I am not going to get too high or too low. December had to be our month to even get to this point and it was. Now we are in January with a chance to get to the playoffs.”
Finally, Heyward was asked how the Steelers are able to improve and dig themselves out of what feels like an insurmountable hole when other teams are not. He, like many other players, gave credit to head coach, Mike Tomlin:
"The short answer is, they're not us," said Heyward. "The long answer is Coach T prepares us, our coaches do a heck of a job getting us ready, and then the players all buy in. It's the players staying locked in and understanding there is more football to be had."
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 31: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches from the sidelines during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Steelers defeated the Browns 15-10. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
This week will be the ultimate test of Tomlin’s ability to turn a team around. The Steelers lost badly to the Browns in September and they did not have Deshaun Watson. They are playing for a playoff berth as well as to keep Tomlin’s winning season streak alive.
What do you think about Tomlin’s ability to motivate his players? Do you think he will be able to beat the Browns this weekend? Click to comment below.
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