The Pittsburgh Steelers kept their playoff hopes alive with a crucial 13-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Eve. It was an emotional night for obvious reasons, as the game took place just days after the passing of legendary running back, Franco Harris. The 50-year anniversary of the Immaculate Reception and retiring Harris' No. 32 was still honored at halftime, making the players want to honor him additionally with a win.
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Many players stood out in the close Week 16 victory, but perhaps none more than defensive lineman, Cam Heyward. He was a man on a mission, racking up three tackles for loss, two sacks, and seven tackles overall. The Ohio State product made his presence felt in the run game as well, helping the defensive front hold Raiders running back, Josh Jacobs to just 15 carries for 44 rushing yards.
Heyward actually had Harris on his podcast, Not Just Football, just day(s) before the news of his passing. That made things even more tough on the veteran defensive lineman. Additionally, his brother Connor was the one to officially clinch the game, picking up a first down and 21 yards on a jet sweep. As a result of Cam's performance though, he has won AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 16.
Cam Hayward earns AFC Defensive Player of the Week after a monster game Saturday: 7 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks and 1 pass defensed
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 28, 2022
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
It should be noted that just last week, Heyward was not named to the Pro Bowl Games. That's despite him having yet another dominant season. His 90.4 PFF grade has him ranked fifth amongst interior defensive lineman. In 15 games in 2022, Heyward has 8.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hits, and three pass deflections. He was named on the alternate list, so there's still a chance that he makes the Pro Bowl with injuries to others.
If he doesn't make it though, it will end his stretch of making it five consecutive seasons. He's also made an All-Pro team in four of those years, three of which were on the First Team. Heyward could still make an All-Pro team this season, especially if he finishes strong, but the team's minimal success seems to have voters down on the veteran in 2022. Many of us know he's not to blame for the team's 7-8 record. In fact, he's kept the defense afloat, especially when TJ Watt was out for a few months due to injury.
It's time to start discussing Heyward in the all-time ranks. Maybe not for NFL terms, but in terms of Steelers history. Mean Joe Greene will likely forever be the greatest defensive lineman in team history. Beyond him though, Heyward has to start to be in the discussion. Now 33 years old, he somehow continues to get better with age by playing at an elite level, while also being the team's undisputed leader.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
What are your thoughts on Heyward being snubbed from the Pro Bowl Games? Where does he rank in terms of best Steelers defenders ever? What did you make of his monumental performance in Week 16? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to interact with our social media sites, yinz!
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