Steelers' Cameron Heyward Able To Finally Admit Why The 2024 Season Fell Apart In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers seemed to be a much better team during the first 14 weeks of the 2024 season than in 2023. While they lacked a solid number two wide receiver and had two starting-caliber quarterbacks on the roster (both on one-year contracts), they were finding ways to get it done. Headed into their Week 15 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, they were 10-3 under the guidance of Russell Wilson. 

Unfortunately, that game signaled the beginning of the end of the season as they lost their final five games. That included the Wild Card game against the Baltimore Ravens. The season that seemed to show such promise ended the same way as the 2023 season, with the Steelers at 10-7 and losing in the first round of the playoffs. 

Cameron Heyward spoke with SiriusXM NFL Radio from the Pro Bowl Games in Orlando, Florida. In a video tweeted on X, he was asked about the quarterback situation and what was missing from the team for it to end the way that it did.

"I think the last couple games of the season, we really struggled," admitted Heyward. "You never want to blame the schedule, but we played our toughest opponents at that time. We didn't really have any gel going into the playoffs. I think we can bounce back from it, but there's some things we need to clean up, there's a decision to be made at quarterback and I think we need to add a couple more parts. We will see what happens. I don't make those decisions and I'm happy I don't make those decisions because I'd like to have both of those guys back."

Heyward has been with the team since they selected him in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft and is well respected. He has been selected as a team captain for 10 consecutive years and is currently attending his seventh Pro Bowl. Heyward hasn't just earned the admiration of his teammates, but of the whole league and was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2023. 

Despite being the highest-paid defense in the league, the squad seemed to fall apart as they started to lose games. The players admitted to some communication issues, but others think that the whole unit needs an overhaul besides a few big playmakers like Heyward, TJ Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick.  

The question is, how close are the Steelers to finding postseason success again? Former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is one of many who think they aren't that close. Heading into the 2024 season, many felt they had most of the other pieces necessary if they could find a quarterback. However, the end-of-season losses made it apparent the offense needed more than just a wide receiver or two. 

Steelers Well Represented At The Pro Bowl Games

The Steelers ultimately have seven players attending the Pro Bowl games this year. In addition to Heyward, Fitzpatrick and kicker Chris Boswell were all voted in as starters. On top of them, special teams star Miles Killebrew, linebacker Patrick Queen, offensive guard Isaac Seumalo, and Wilson were named as replacements. Watt was also voted in as a starter, but had to pass on participating because of an injury. 

Heyward told the media that it is always an honor to be selected to play in the Pro Bowl, but he has a tough time shutting down his competitive nature and just enjoying the game. He said that is especially true when working with other AFC North rivals. 

Do you agree with Heyward that the team can bounce back with a few new additions? Click to comment below. 

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