PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – His teammate is currently the betting favorite to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Should Cam Heyward join TJ Watt as candidates as the best defensive player in the league in 2024?
You might look at that initially and think it's crazy, Heyward is tied for 138th in the NFL in tackles with 55, but that's first among defensive linemen.
He's second among interior defensive linemen in the AFC in tackles for loss (10), and quarterback hits (19). He's 14th in the entire league in sacks with eight ahead of players like Maxx Crosby, Nick Bosa. He's tops among defensive linemen with 8 passes defended, more than Khalil Mack, Jessie Bates, Sauce Gardner, Trey Hendrickson.
Pro Football Focus ranks him as the top interior defensive lineman in the NFL.
"I just think it's business as usual, to be quite honest with you," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin of Heyward's play. "When Cam's healthy, he plays the way he plays right now."
"He's had one of his best years yet," said linebacker Alex Highsmith. "For how old he is and what he is doing is just awesome to see. It's a testament to the way he works and the way he takes care of his body. Especially at this age, he's fresh to go on Sunday. It goes to show he's not just getting sacks and making run stops, but his PBUs have caused multiple turnovers. He's just an aware player."
"He's our captain."
"Cam is a hell of a player," said former NFL Defensive Player of the Year TJ Watt. "No surprises out of us in this locker room because we've seen how much he's worked since I walked in the door here. I think he's had a hell of a season. He's like wine, he gets better with age."
It wasn't but a few months ago those concerned about giving him a new contract wondered if he could still be productive, even this season at age 35. He has been a catalyst, nearly as many sacks as Watt and more consistent.
"He is playing really well," said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. "I mean, he is outstanding. I wouldn't know who I'd trade him for. There's a couple
big guys that are playing well, but he's right there with him. His impact is unbelievable for us and what he does for us."
What really stands out to Austin, who is in his sixth season coaching Heyward, is that he's the same player every game. He said fighting back from injury Heyward wasn't the same player he typically is. The bounce back, in your mid-thirties, is truly special.
But what separates and strengthens the case for Heyward as a potential candidate as the best defensive player, is his leadership. What he does for this team every day.
"He is always involved in all the things that we're doing," Austin said. "Still asks good questions. I don't want to say his age because he'll get mad, but everybody knows how old he is. He asks a lot of really good questions. I think that all rubs off on some of the younger guys."
"In addition to how well he's playing, I think they way he conducts business, the way he carries himself is really important and valuable to our room. Not just the D-line, but just for our room."
Austin said there are probably a handful of guys who have been able to do what Cam is doing, not just this year, but with his experience and over his career. Is that good enough for him to be considered as Defensive Player of the Year?
"I mean, I'd love to have him in that discussion," Austin said. "I'm not a part of that. That's not my purview. But, if he got it, would I be surprised? No."
