Enough to recognize Cam Heyward’s great season

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – His teammate is currently the betting favorite to be named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Should Cam Heyward join TJ Watt as a candidate to be the league’s best defensive player in 2024?

At first glance you might think it’s crazy, Heyward is tied with 138 points^Th in the NFL in tackles with 55, but that’s first among defensive linemen.

He ranks second in the AFC among interior defensive linemen in tackles for loss (10) and quarterback hits (19). He is 14^Th in the entire league with eight sacks, ahead of players like Maxx Crosby and Nick Bosa. He is the all-time leader among defensive linemen with 8 passes defended, more than Khalil Mack, Jessie Bates, Sauce Gardner and Trey Hendrickson.

According to Pro Football Focus, he is the best interior defender in the NFL.

“To be completely honest, I just think it’s business as usual,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said of Heyward’s play. “When Cam is healthy, he plays the way he plays now.”

“He had one of his best years yet,” linebacker Alex Highsmith said. “It’s just great to see how old he is and what he’s doing. It’s a testament to the way he works and the way he takes care of his body. Especially at this age, he is ready to go on Sunday. It shows that not only does he get sacks and make run stops, but his PBUs also caused several turnovers. He’s just a conscious player.”

“He’s our captain.”

“Cam is a great player,” said TJ Watt, former NFL Defensive Player of the Year. “There are no surprises for us in this locker room because we’ve seen how much he’s worked since I walked in the door here. I think he had a hell of a season. It’s like wine, it gets better with age.”

Just a few months ago, those who wanted to give him a new contract wondered whether he could still be productive even this season at age 35. He was a catalyst, almost as many sacks as Watt and more consistent.

“He’s playing really well,” Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “I mean, he’s outstanding. I don’t know who I would trade him for. There are a few

big guys who play well, but he is always with him. His impact on us and what he does for us is incredible.”

What really stands out for Austin, who is in his sixth season coaching Heyward, is that he is the same player every game. He said Heyward, struggling after an injury, wasn’t the player he normally is. The resurgence in your mid-thirties is really something special.

But what sets Heyward apart and strengthens him as a potential candidate for the title of best defensive player is his leadership. What he does for this team every day.

“He’s always involved in all the things we do,” Austin said. “Still ask good questions. I don’t want to say how old he is because he’ll get angry, but everyone knows how old he is. He asks a lot of really good questions. I think it’s all rubbing off on some of the younger guys.”

“Apart from how well he plays, I think the way he conducts business, the way he carries himself is really important and valuable to our room. Not just for the D line, but just for our room.”

Austin said there are probably a handful of people who have done what Cam does, not just this year, but because of his experience and throughout his career. Is that enough to make him Defensive Player of the Year?

“I mean, I would like to include him in this discussion,” Austin said. “I’m not a part of it. That’s not my area of ​​responsibility. But if he got it, would I be surprised? NO.”