Steelers: 3 players who must step up to replace T.J. Watt
By Mark Powell
Steelers T.J. Watt replacements: Cam Heyward
Yes, I am aware that Heyward is a defensive end, but stick with me. Behind Watt, Heyward is the de facto defensive leader of this team. The entire unit is built around Heyward, Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, thus proving that the Steelers have a playmaker on all three levels.
Heyward is the most vocal player on this defense and rightly so. He’s earned the right to do just that, and without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in tow, may very well be the face of the franchise moving forward.
In the aftermath of Watt’s injury, Heyward came up huge on the interior, creating a pass rush that otherwise would’ve been missing without him. After the game, he spoke up about Watt’s absence and what the team must do moving forward:
“Having TJ (Watt) out there definitely benefits us. He’s a leader. He’s the Defensive Player of the Year. However long it takes, other guys gotta step up. Alex (Highsmith) stepped up pretty good today. Malik (Reed) and Jamir (Jones) are coming along. We had to do some different stuff out there, but we rally around him. And when he gets back, we’ll be ready,” Heyward said.
Cam will be ready, but will the rest of the Steelers?