A brand new sequence on Steelers Depot to take us by the offseason. Because the title suggests, we clarify the function of the gamers on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster. Past starter, substitute or particular staff, we define what their perfect function and contribution to the staff will probably be in 2023.
We are going to proceed with DT Cam Heyward.
DT Cam Heyward – Pocket-Pusher + Chief
Nobody wants Cam Heyward’s function defined intimately at this level, nevertheless it’s enjoyable to speak about starters and stars as a lot as I really like discussing gamers nearer to the underside of the roster. What’s the function of WR Dez Fitzpatrick is rather less attention-grabbing. Its function is to outlive. Merely survive.
For Heyward, his function is clearly cemented. Nonetheless going robust in his thirties, he is an anchor within the Steelers protection. Whereas the “pocket pusher” is a bit understated, his bull rush and talent to break down the pocket is a strong weapon. That is one of many causes Pittsburgh’s EDGE rushers are so good. Scale back contained in the pocket, power the quarterback out of his spot and into the palms of TJ Watt or Alex Highsmith.
After all, Heyward can full these video games as nicely. He completed final season with 10.5 sacks, the second most of his profession solely behind his 2017 marketing campaign with 12 of them. He is additionally racing with TJ Watt to be the primary to surpass James Harrison because the franchise’s all-time chief, although Watt will in the end maintain the highest spot.
Past that, his management and being the face of the franchise has change into equally important of a task. The Pittsburgh protection is the staff they depend on probably the most and Heyward stays the guts and soul of the staff. Though the Steelers’ roster appears higher in 2023, they are going to have a troublesome time because the yr progresses. Each staff does. Guys like Heyward must stabilize the ship.
It comes from different sources, led by Mike Tomlin, however Heyward has credibility within the Steelers locker room that nobody else has. The oldest Steeler. A former first-round choose. The man who’s seen all of it and achieved all of it. Pittsburgh has a veteran and older protection, however Heyward is the man above all of the others.
Its function for 2023 is unchanged from 2022 and most earlier years. He stays the rock of the protection and should proceed to play at an elite degree or the Steelers protection will wrestle. It isn’t like their depth behind him is especially robust.
WHAT IS HIS ROLE ? SERIES
WR Allen Robinson
LB Cole Holcomb
RB Jaylen Warren
FS Minkah Fitzpatrick
CB Levi Wallace
QB Mason Rudolph
C Mason Cole
WR George Pickens
TE Connor Heyward
