Steelers' Cam Heyward Blasts The NFL For Multiple Short Weeks: “You’re Screwing Us”

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been dealing with a challenging schedule in the 2023 NFL season, and the captain, Cam Heyward, is not happy about it. On his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, he took the NFL schedule makers to task for stacking up four short weeks in a row leading up to their regular season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.

Steelers Get The Short End Of The Stick

The Steelers' 2023 season has been marked by an unusual number of short weeks, but the situation escalated with the NFL scheduling four consecutive short weeks. These weeks included matchups against the New England Patriots in Week 14, the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15, the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16, and the upcoming must-win game against the Ravens in Week 18. 

Heyward didn't mince words when expressing his frustration with the NFL's scheduling decisions. He pointed out the inconsistency in the league's concern for player safety and health.

"Okay, one thing I want to bring up, though, that's kind of ticked me off, uh, in December, we've played three Saturday games, and we're going to have played three Saturday games and a Thursday game. We talk so much about player safety and player health, right? We've literally decreased our chance to recover game to game for an entire month. That just is kind of shocking when you think about it."

At 34 years old, Heyward possesses a wealth of experience in the NFL, and with that experience comes a profound awareness of the importance of prioritizing his health and recovery. Throughout the grueling season, Heyward has candidly shared insights into the physical toll the game takes on his body. He's not alone in this struggle, as many veteran players find themselves navigating the delicate balance between preserving their well-being and meeting the demands of the sport.

In his discussions, Heyward's frustration serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate dance between safeguarding player health and accommodating the intricacies of the NFL's often relentless and complex schedule. While the league undoubtedly places a strong emphasis on player safety and overall well-being, the practical challenges of managing a demanding schedule can occasionally present hurdles in achieving these ideals.

"We're trying to make strides in protecting the body, we're trying to make strides in keeping quarterbacks upright, but like da**, like you're taking away a recovery day that we've had almost every week throughout September, October, November, and then we get to December because we're trying to sell tickets and we're trying to push the streaming to another level. You know you're screwing us in the process."

Despite the ongoing frustrations stemming from the challenging schedule, Heyward and the Steelers maintain their unwavering focus on the ultimate goal they share—securing a coveted spot in the postseason and, with it, the opportunity to claim their seventh Super Bowl championship. Their collective determination is evident in their recent performances, which have showcased resilience and an newfound offensive prowess led by Mason Rudolph, reminiscent of the days when the legendary Ben Roethlisberger roamed the gridiron. 

While Heyward's voiced concerns regarding the demanding schedule hold merit, it's important to note that the Steelers remain resolute in their commitment to overcoming the challenges presented by the NFL's scheduling decisions. The team's recent string of victories, serves as a testament to their ability to adapt and thrive in adverse circumstances.

This resilience is a hallmark of the Steelers' storied history, where they have often found a way to persevere when faced with adversity. As the regular season nears its conclusion and the playoff picture comes into focus, the Steelers are well aware of the importance of maintaining their momentum. The path to postseason glory is fraught with obstacles, and every victory is crucial in their quest to secure a playoff berth. 

With the offense firing on all cylinders and a defense anchored by the likes of Heyward, the Steelers believe they have the tools and the determination needed to overcome the scheduling challenges and steal a postseason spot. 

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