In the offseason, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward told everyone he was healthy and prepped for a huge bounce-back season. Did we believe him? Eh, sort of but there were some concerns at 35 years old and coming off an injury-riddled season you had to wonder a little if he still had it.
Four games into the season, Heyward is answering the question. According to Pro Football Focus, Heyward is the highest-graded interior defensive lineman in the entire NFL. Yep. Better than Dexter Lawrence and Chris Jones (who were No. 2 and No. 3).
Heyward has a sack in each of the last two games giving him two on the season. This matches his season total from 2023. The impact that Heyward has on the defense doesn’t always show up in the box score. This is a case where the PFF grades can really illuminate the sheer impact he has on one of the best defenses in the NFL.
