Sure, the Steelers' defense now has several young contributors in T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Devin Bush making plays in their respective roles. But Keith Butler has made sure to use his most experienced veteran, Cam Heyward, all around the defensive line.
Heyward was a key factor to the Steelers' 16-10 win over the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Let's take a closer look at how:
Heyward led the team with six tackles while also recording a sack and four quarterback hits. He dominated the line of scrimmage by maintaining his gaps, keeping his head up for the ball carrier and making the play in the hole. Watch how he snuffs out this run by Joe Mixon.
Center Trey Hopkins tries to move Heyward out of the hole, but with a lower pad level and good hand placement, Heyward stands his ground and leads the charge on tackling Mixon at the line:
But with how long Heyward's been with the Steelers, he's learned to diversify his skills and win in various situations. That's allowed Butler more diversity in his defense with how to use bigger fronts while resting Watt.
Look at how the Steelers are technically in a 4-3 defense here with Tyson Alualu, Dan McCullers and Javon Hargrave lined up inside with Heyward out on the edge. But Heyward plays more like a true edge player of a 3-4 defenses and crushes tight end C.J. Uzomah before disengaging and wrapping up Mixon for the tackle:
But of course, Heyward is at his best when gets to charge up the middle and exert his power to collapse the pocket. Especially since the season-ending injury of Stephon Tuitt, Heyward's moved all around the front to play from the zero technique to the five technique, whether in four point stances or standing.
His sack on Ryan Finley came from him moving around and eventually rushing in from a two point stance to bully Hopkins into the backfield. When Heyward gets to do this without being double teamed, it opens up his chance to do what he does best and drive his man into the quarterback:
As the Steelers get ready for their rematch with the Browns, Heyward's role may be the most important of the defense. His ability to dominate the line could be the leading factor in containing Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt so they can force Baker Mayfield into more difficult passing situations.
And when those moments come, Heyward can crash the pocket and be the disrupting force the Steelers need to dominate early and often.
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