The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be getting back to the epitome of Pittsburgh Steelers' football. Running the ball with force and dominance, and dominating on the defensive side of the ball. The Steelers' defense is loaded with talent all across the board, but three guys can be labeled as "superstars" in the NFL, in my opinion. Those three superstars are Minkah Fitzpatrick, TJ Watt, and Cam Heyward. As a matter of fact, former Steelers' head coach and Hall of Famer, Bill Cowher listed the three as guys who could play in any era.
“Totally, TJ Watt and Cam Heyward, I look at how those two guys play the game. Minkah Fitzpatrick, I look at the way he plays the game, I hear how they talk, and these guys love the game. They have a passion for the game. Watt, the records, yeah, that comes with him, but he just wants to win and he plays with a passion and a sense of purpose. Same with Cam Heyward… and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Those three guys, to me, could’ve played in ANY era of the Pittsburgh Steelers. They could have played back with the Steel Curtain and you know what, the Steel Curtain would’ve embraced every one of them.”
A huge nod from a Hall of Fame coach and Steelers' legend, and he's absolutely correct! Two of those guys, Watt and Heyward, were recently named the 5th best NFL duo in an article by CBS Sports writer, Jared Dubin.
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Here's what Dubin had to say about the Steelers' pass rush nightmares for opposing offenses:
"The backbone of one of the NFL's best defenses over the past several years, this duo has combined to total 115 sacks over the past five seasons -- an average of 23 per year. Watt had nearly that many himself last season, with a record-tying 22.5 of them. He's led the NFL in quarterback takedowns and tackles for loss in each of the past two seasons and just won his first Defensive Player of the Year award. Heyward is the unsung hero of Pittsburgh's defense, playing every spot along the interior of the defensive line, pushing pockets and getting after the quarterback. He's made five consecutive Pro Bowls while Watt has made four in a row, and two appearances on the All-Pro first team in the last three seasons while Watt has made three in a row. You won't find a better duo along the defensive front."
Who topped this Steelers duo?
The two were the only pass rushing duos on the list. The two Steelers' defensive playmakers were ahead of duos:
Dallas Cowboys' Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn and LB Micah Parsons
Los Angeles Chargers' QB Justin Herbert and RB Austin Ekeler
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' QB Tom Brady and WR Mike Evans
San Francisco 49ers' HC Kyle Shanahan and WR Deebo Samuel
In today's NFL, where offensive talent and offensive play seems to override all, it's fun to see Steelers' defensive playmakers get the credit that they deserve. And it's beautiful to see two Steelers' on any list ahead of Brady. Especially, when we're so used to seeing the national media not give these guys their due credit! I mean, Heyward seemingly always takes a back seat to Los Angeles Rams DT Aaron Donald. Watt, no matter how much better he is than some of the players, gets disrespected consistently as well.
Steelers defensive tackle, Cam Heyward (#97) celebrates with head coach, Mike Tomlin, after their 39-38 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, December 10, 2017, at Heinz Field. | Christopher Horner / Tribune-Review
Heyward, at the beginning of the month went on the Mina Kimes' podcast to talk a little bit about being slighted by talking heads on TV.
“Yeah, pisses me off hands down. Like you know. I think I’m one of if not the most complete player at my position. You know, I know Aaron is a you know a really talented guy, but don’t just shy away and say, ‘oh it’s Aaron Donald and everybody else’. [Crap], it’s Cam and Aaron and everybody else.”
It's good to see these two defensive forces get respect and national admiration for a change!
What do yinz think about Heyward and Watt being listed as a top 5 NFL duo? Let us know in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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