The Pittsburgh Steelers managed to take down the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday by beating them in a high scoring affair. Pittsburgh still holds the lead in the AFC North as they sit atop the standings with a record of 9-3 and are 2-1 within the division. Pittsburgh's offense was able to keep up with and out-pace the highly potent offense of the Bengals, and the defense stepped up and made several timely plays that helped the Steelers secure the win.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Payton Wilson scores the first touchdown of his young career against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024.
The defense created splash plays throughout the contest, and the leaders on the defense stepped up in big ways as TJ Watt and Cam Heyward combined for three sacks, eight tackles, a forced fumble, seven quarterback hits, and five tackles for loss. The two were dominant as they have been expected to be, and Watt was asked during his post game press conference about how Heyward is producing as he is the oldest player on the defense.
"I mean he's an old dude that's playing some really good football." Watt said. "Very stout. I know he wants to be out there every snap, but he is making every single snap that he is in there count. A guy that is just a true leader, a true Steeler, one-helmet guy. He preaches installing kicka** all week, him and Dunbar, and he goes out there each and every week and shows why he is one of the best in the world."
Heyward was making big plays left and right during Pittsburgh's win over Cincinnati. He sacked Joe Burrow once, had a powerful tackle for loss on the goal line, and he tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage that was then picked off by Donte Jackson. It is becoming more and more clear that the organization made the right decision in giving Heyward a new deal before the start of the season.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cam Heyward lines up while playing the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2024 season.
Steelers Made The Right Decision Giving Cam Heyward A New Deal
Heyward has been one of the best defensive players in football during the 2024 season, and he has completely justified the new contract that he signed in August. Many fans were on the fence about giving a new deal to Heyward, mainly because of his age and the fact that he had a down year in 2023 that was riddled with injuries. The defender signed a two-year extension, and it seems like it was the right move by the organization.
Cam Heyward made this interception happen. Having an All-Pro year at 35. pic.twitter.com/4x46MIRif4
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) December 1, 2024
If the season ended today, Heyward would certainly be given an All-Pro nod and be invited to the Pro-Bowl. He has been one of the best defensive linemen in the sport, which is shocking considering his age and recent injury history. Heyward currently has six sacks on the year, and he has been his usual self when it comes to stuffing the run.
Jeffrey Dean / AP Photo
Edge rusher TJ Watt and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward celebrate during a 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers' game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Watt and Heyward are two of the best players at their respective positions, and they each are making a decent case for the NFL's Defensive Player Of The Year Award. Heyward won't win the award, mainly because his production can't be reflected on the stat sheet when it comes to clogging up running plays and generating pressure. Watt is the current favorite for the award, and both Heyward and Watt have been very public in their support of one another throughout the season.
What do you think of Heyward's season in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
