Steelers All-Pro DT Cam Heyward is back, here's what that means
In case you missed it, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have Cam Heyward at their disposal vs. the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night. And while he's sure to have a tremendous impact, I'm not sure many realize what exactly his return will mean. Let me explain: T.J. Watt Just Got That Much Better The Steelers have […]
In case you missed it, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have Cam Heyward at their disposal vs. the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night.
And while he's sure to have a tremendous impact, I'm not sure many realize what exactly his return will mean.
Let me explain:
T.J. Watt Just Got That Much Better
The Steelers have only played seven of their 17-game season, yet T.J. Watt already has nine sacks, three fumbles recoveries. and 16 QB hits.
Oh, and he did that without Cam Heyward demanding attention from his interior alignment…
You see, a lot of people think that having an edge rusher like Highsmith opposite of Watt is a major help.
And there's some truth to that, as opposing offenses will add chip help or an extra tight end to one side over another.
But when you place a Pro Bowl, All-Pro, future Hall of Fame presence in the middle of the defensive line, that makes blocking on the defsne that much harder.
That's because, where teams would now slide the protection towards Watt, and run plays away from Highsmith, that can no longer happen. (Unless they are fine with Heyward just wrecking shop.)
So of course the return helps the defense and the team as a whole, but the biggest beneficiary, the one who is happiest to see Cam back?
That would be T.J. Watt.
Steelers officially activate DT Cam Heyward off injured reserve
Pittsburgh just made a massive move ahead of Thursday night football.
