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Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Most important players for the 2019 season

By Samuel Teets

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass in the first quarter during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass in the first quarter during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs is hit as he throws by Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs is hit as he throws by Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

5. Cameron Heyward, DE/DT

It took a little while, but Cameron Heyward has become the defensive anchor the Steelers envisioned him being when they drafted the Ohio State product back in 2011. This past season, Heyward recorded 51 combined tackles and eight sacks. He also went to his second consecutive Pro Bowl.

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Heyward takes snap at his traditional position, defensive end, but he has also started taking snaps from the defensive tackle position. Because of this move, his sack totals don’t always capture the impact he has. At 6-5, 295 pounds, Heyward is an athletic freak. He’s overshadowed by more traditional defensive ends and defensive tackles, but his impact cannot be denied.

While the Steelers aren’t the defensive juggernaut that they used to be, players like Heyward have brought back memories of older defensive units. Heyward and the Steelers front took large steps forward in 2018. The team finished sixth in run defense, allowing 96.1 rushing yards per game. The Chicago Bears finished in first with 80.0 and the Arizona Cardinals came in last, allowing 154.9 rushing yards per game.

The Steelers also finished tied for first in sacks last season. The team tied the Kansas City Chiefs with 52 sacks. While T.J. Watt led the way with 13 sacks, Heyward’s eight were the second most on the team. The Steelers also finished first in sacks in 2017 with 56. Heyward finished with a team-high 12 sacks that year.

While it could be argued that Watt is actually the better player, I believe Heyward has a greater impact. His movement upfront is what allows Watt, Bud Dupree, and other players to be so successful as pass rushers and run defenders.

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