The Pittsburgh Steelers have put themselves in a poor position for the remainder of the season. After losing to the New York Jets on Sunday, 24-20, they fell to 1-3 in 2022. More importantly, they fell to 0-7 without T.J. Watt in the lineup. The defense, who was considered elite with Watt, has not been awful, but they are not playing at the necessary level for this version of the Pittsburgh Steelers to win.
Steelers' Cam Heyward (97) rushing Zach Wilson (2) on Sunday's 24-20 loss to New York Jets, Oct. 2, 2022. | Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Cam Heyward is the defensive captain of the team and for the better part of his career has played at a Pro Bowl level. Before the season, he was the second rated interior defensive lineman according to the highly dubious Pro Football Focus models. A subdued Heyward, spoke to the media following Sunday’s stunning upset by the visitors from New York:
“Physically, some bumps and bruises that come with the job,” Heyward begins. “Fourteen points in the fourth. Offense did enough. As a defense, we didn’t get off the field enough. It’s going to haunt me.”
Steelers' Cam Heyward (97) and Alex Highsmith (56) chase a fumble against the New York Jets on Oct. 2, 2022. | Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Heyward is entering his 12th season out of Ohio State. He has been the leader of the defense for several seasons, and he is an intense player who has made five consecutive Pro Bowls and four of the last five All-Pro teams. But in 2022, he hasn't played like it so far.
“The defense has to work together,” Heyward continued. “If we hit home up front, we have to be good on the back end. If the back end holds up, we have got to hit home and finish those plays. The little things, we all have to get to the ball. It came down to third downs in the fourth quarter and we just didn’t get off the field. You would like to think on the money down, your attention to detail goes up, and we didn’t hit home enough. We all have to be accountable to be a good defense.”
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
One of the reasons that Heyward is such a beloved player on defense is his high motor. He has been on the field game after game for over a decade as someone the Steelers could count on, and he plays nearly every snap. Five years ago, it was a strength. In 2022, it is a weakness, and it is taking a toll on the team's performance late in games. The defense has appeared gassed during the three-game losing streak in the fourth quarter.
The Steelers do not have another player with Heyward’s talent on the defensive line. DeMarvin Leal and Larry Ogunjobi have flashed consistently early in the season, but Tyson Alualu (34 years old) has faded in his return from a 2021 season ending injury. Asking players in their mid-thirties to anchor your defensive line without a solid rotation to rest them is a recipe for late game collapses and that is what is happening.
“I was getting an X-ray at half,” Heyward said in regard to the QB change. “I am comfortable with either of those guys. We are trying to win a game. We have to do a better job on defense. The defense has to be a lot better, and I take that personally.”
Heyward was often cited in the disastrous run defense last season as the only defensive lineman that appeared to be putting up a fight and maybe the extreme effort took its toll. The Steelers captain oozes pride and effort. He is still an effective player, but the occasional series off, or maybe taking a few first downs off could benefit his performance. He only knows one way to play: all out. The coaching staff may have to learn to manage his reps to lift the overall performance of the defense; even if the All-Pro takes the rotation personally.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is Heyward finally slowing down and showing he is not a superhuman player anymore? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
