The Pittsburgh Steelers prevailed 20-16 in a hard-fought game over the Tennessee Titans during their Week 9 matchup. Perhaps it helped that a key defensive member returned to the gridiron that day. Defensive lineman and captain Cameron Heyward finally was off the injured reserve list and able to play. Heyward had sustained a groin injury, that required surgery to repair during their Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He recently shared that the Titans came right at him during his first play of the game trying to test his injured area.
Lucy Schaly / Post-Gazette
The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered multiple injuries during the Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers, including Cam Heyward.
Heyward co-hosts a podcast with his friend Hayden Walsh called Not Just Football With Cam Heyward. On a recent episode, the two were discussing the win over the Titans and Heyward said he felt like the Titans had it in for him right away. Heyward's first play of the game was on the Steelers' point after attempt that followed the touchdown they scored on their opening drive. During kicks such as field goals and extra points, Heyward is on the left side of the line.
"Hey, I forgot to bring this up. During the game, it's my first play of the game, it's a PAT and I'm thinking just regular snap. Bro, they tried to blow me up! They tried to kill me on the first snap! Yeah, they tested my groin for sure."
Walsh asked him if they just sent three players directly at him and he said that was exactly what they did. The two also had long-snapper Christian Kuntz on the show and he confirmed that they went after him, but even with three players hitting Heyward, they weren't able to get the 6'5", 295 pound defensive tackle on the ground, he just kind of backpedaled. He said his counterpart on the other side of the line was not as lucky.
"They did that to me, but then the next time, they went to the other side on [Isaiahh] Loudermilk. I look over, I'm like, 'You good, Loud?' He was like, 'Man, I was just trying to make sure I fell gracefully,' chuckled Heyward."
Kuntz added that they were rushing on all the kicks - field goals and extra points. He said they were a really physical football team.
Steelers Are Relieved To Have Cameron Heyward Back On The Field
While some fans will say it is "dirty" to target a player just coming back from an injury, it is really just strategy. Football is a game of individual moments and decisions that hopefully add up to a win. If an opponent can execute a legal tackle or block that re-aggravates a healing injury, it might give them an advantage. It is not the same as intentionally causing an injury.
Not Just Football With Cam Heyward
Steelers' Cam Heyward has teammate Christian Kuntz on his podcast regularly for a segment called, "Short Time with a Long-Snapper."
In this case, they had a little bit more of a likelihood of success since Heyward was probably not expecting to be triple-teamed on an extra point. Heyward probably thought his first real test would come on his first defensive snap. Fortunately, Heyward, who is in his 13th season, is veteran enough to be able to recognize what was coming and protect himself.
During his decade-plus in Pittsburgh, Heyward has become part of the backbone of the defense. He is a three-time All-Pro and a six-time Pro Bowler. He has only been able to participate in two games so far in 2023, but during the course of his career, he has played in 185 games. He's made two interceptions, caused eight forced fumbles, had 620 total tackles, and 78.5 sacks.
The Steelers have been inconsistent through the first half of the season and are likely hoping that Heyward's return continues to help Pittsburgh win the line-of-scrimmage contest over their opponents. This is critical since the Steelers currently rank 31st in the NFL on defense. What makes this even more challenging is that the current number one and two spots are held by division rivals, the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens respectively.
Jeffrey Becker / USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward returned from IR in time for the team's Week 9 game against the Titans.
With Week 10 looming, the Steelers are looking ahead to playing the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. While the Steelers have found a way to win games, especially with a strong fourth quarter, they cannot always rely on the ability to come back. The offense needs to get out to an early lead and the defense has to show they can keep the opposing offense shut down.
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