Steelers’ Cam Heyward Teaches NFL Pundit A Lesson After Poor Analysis: “More Productive Stat Is A Sack”

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive star, TJ Watt led the NFL in sacks during the 2023 season with 19. Many pundits and Pittsburgh football fans assumed he would be the favorite to win the AP Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Award. 

However, when it came time to reveal the winner, it wasn't Watt. Instead, Cleveland Browns star, Myles Garrett took home the award, despite ranking several spots behind Watt in many key categories traditionally used to measure defensive players' production. Watt was upset with the NFL for not giving him the award he felt he deserved, and decided to skip the Honors event. 

This decision sparked a debate among football fans. What has changed? Suddenly, sacks seem to be valued less than they once were, at least based on the 2023 NFL award show results. Throughout the offseason, Pittsburgh fans have argued whether pressures or actual sacks are more valuable. It seems like an obvious answer.

NFL pundit Trey Wingo shared his perspective on social media, explaining why he believes pressures are more valuable than sacks.

"This is why pressures are a better more productive stat than sacks," Wingo wrote on X. "If you can get em on the ground…great.. but make [them] uncomfortable and move them is just as if not more efficient."

Steelers veteran defensive lineman, Cam Heyward saw Wingo's social media post and quickly shared his own perspective, disagreeing with Wingo's analysis.

"Pressures are good, but the more productive stat is a sack that can lead to turnover. Pressures can be misleading and when plays result in sacks, that’s the goal."

Heyward and Wingo went back an forth on X. 

Wingo pointed out a specific play that happened during the Super Bowl. Heyward continued to share his point of view. While Wingo makes a decent point. Many football fans will trust the guy who has been in the trenches as of late and dominated on that front. 

The debate really heated up when Pro Football Focus (PFF), a popular football website known for its advanced analytics, claimed that other defensive players, such as Garrett, had a higher pass rush win rate percentage than Watt. PFF appeared to be discrediting Watt's impressive sack totals and productive stats by emphasizing their advanced analytical data.

While achieving a high pass rush win rate percentage is significant, many argue that these are hypothetical stats, and tangible on-field production is more important. This sentiment seemed particularly strong during the 2023 season when many Pittsburgh football fans felt that Watt was unfairly overlooked, and Garrett was awarded a victory that seemed predetermined. On the other hand, some, like Wingo, argued the opposing viewpoint.

Pressuring the quarterback is crucial and is a key indicator of a productive player. However, Wingo's argument against Heyward holds little merit. Heyward, one of the best defensive linemen in the game for over a decade, brings a wealth of experience and validity to his opinion, making it more credible in the eyes of many.

Heyward seems to be leveraging his experience and knowledge not only to assert his expertise, but also to support his teammate, Watt. Despite numerous pundits attempting to undermine Watt, he remains one of the most dominant forces in the NFL and is easily the most valuable player on the Pittsburgh team. 

Heading into 2024, Watt will be playing with a distinct edge, feeling overlooked by the NFL and frustrated over not receiving the accolades afforded to other star defensive players, including the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Award.

Steelers' Cam Heyward Still Seeking New Deal From Pittsburgh

As Pittsburgh gears up for the new season, the spotlight is also on Heyward, especially after his unexpected decision to skip voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) for the first time in his career. Citing personal reasons, Heyward indicated that he needed to do what was best for his future, hinting at his desire for a new contract with Pittsburgh. 

Heyward rejoined the team, but he is still not happy with the Pittsburgh organization. So far, negotiations have not progressed positively. Pittsburgh fans are keenly watching to see how the organization will work to satisfy Heyward’s demands and ensure his presence on the field in 2024.

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