Steelers See Immediate Impact As Rookie Makes Major Difference Against Patriots

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive unit had its best game of the season on Sunday against the New England Patriots. New England was able to score just 14 points throughout the course of the game, as Cam Heyward and rookie Derrick Harmon were able to make major impacts during all four quarters. The Patriots coughed up an alarming four fumbles to the Steelers' defense as well, as the unit was able to put on an exhilarating performance on the road in Week 3.

Heyward was credited with three solo tackles and a sack in the win against the Patriots. The veteran was nothing short of elite in New England, as Heyward will look to continue playing at a high level for the remainder of 2025. Heyward has been in Pittsburgh throughout the entire course of his 15-year career and has remained as an anchor piece on the Steelers' defensive line alongside TJ Watt.

Heyward has made an impact on the defensive line in 2025 despite rumors surrounding his contract towards the end of the offseason. The legendary defensive tackle was rumored to be unhappy with his extension, as speculation and drama continued to surround the long-time Steeler leading up to Week 1. Heyward signed a three-year deal with Pittsburgh in 2024 worth up to $45 million and will hopefully continue to play at a high level throughout the 2025 season.

Harmon was the Steelers' first-round selection in the 2025 draft. The promising played well in Week 3 against New England, as Harmon was credited with two solo tackles and a sack on the afternoon. The Patriots' offensive line struggled mightily against both Harmon and Heyward all game long, as the rookie was able to make his presence known on the Steelers' defensive line almost instantly.

The former Oregon star was nothing short of elite during his NFL debut on Sunday. Harmon could quickly emerge as a crucial piece on Pittsburgh's defensive line if he continues to thrive, as the promising rookie will look to have another breakout performance in next week's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. 

Both Harmon and Heyward should continue to make an impact as the season rolls on, but Harmon's efforts during his NFL debut were an extremely exciting sign of what Steelers' fans can expect out of him in the future.

Steelers' Harmon Could Be Major Beneficiary Of Playing Alongside Watt and Heyward

Harmon may very well have ended up in the best situation he could possibly find on draft day. The Steelers' selected Harmon with the 21st overall pick in April, as the talented rookie will play alongside two of the best defensive players in all of football in Watt and Heyward. Harmon should benefit greatly playing alongside both players, as the legendary veterans will serve as excellent mentors for the promising rookie.

Harmon could quickly learn from Watt and Heyward throughout 2025. The rookie will be learning from two elite veterans all season long and it's possible that Harmon could find himself in the thick of the AP Defensive Rookie Of The Year race towards the end of the season. Harmon could rapidly improve alongside Watt and Heyward as the season rolls on, as the rookie will look to follow up his elite performance in Week 3 with another excellent showing in Week 4 against the Vikings in Ireland.

Both Heyward and Harmon are expected to make a serious impact throughout the 2025 season. Hayward has remained as an anchor on the Steelers' defensive line during his entire 15 year career, and Harmon's performance in his debut on Sunday is an extremely exciting sight for fans to see. The Steelers will face the Minnesotas Vikings in Ireland during Week 4 as both Heyward and Harmon will look to continue playing at an elite level.

What did you think about Heyward's Week 3 performance? Were you excited with how Harmon played throughout his NFL debut? Comment Below!

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