Cam Heyward Calls for Accountability as Steelers Defense Struggles
Pittsburgh Steelers veteran Cameron Heyward has never been one to stay quiet when things aren’t going right — and this season, he’s speaking up louder than ever. After another tough loss that saw the Steelers’ defense falter against Green Bay, Heyward made it clear that everyone, including himself, needs to step up.
Speaking with reporters this week, Heyward emphasized that his criticism comes from a place of leadership and accountability, not blame. “Anything I’d say to you, I’d say to them first,” he said. “We all have to get better. I challenge everybody, and I challenge myself first. You can’t look at anybody else — you have to look at yourself. The only way to get this bad taste out of our mouth is to play better football.”
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That sense of ownership has always defined Heyward’s approach. Now in his 15th NFL season, he’s one of the few players on Pittsburgh’s defense still performing at an elite level. In fact, he recorded a season-high seven tackles in last Sunday’s loss and is currently ranked by Pro Football Focus as the top interior defender in the league through eight weeks. But despite his personal success, the numbers around him tell a worrying story.
The Steelers are allowing a staggering 386 yards per game — ranking near the bottom of the NFL — and 25 points per contest. Those stats put them on pace to give up the most yards per game in franchise history and the most points since 1988. Their once-feared pass rush hasn’t been getting to the quarterback, and a slower, aging secondary is allowing opponents to throw for over 270 yards per game — the worst mark in the league right now.
Heyward’s frustration is understandable. Pittsburgh has already allowed 30 or more points in four games this season, something that only happened twice all of last year. Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have rarely looked this vulnerable on defense. And things won’t get easier — next up, they face the league’s top-ranked offense, the Indianapolis Colts, led by Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor.
Still, Heyward isn’t backing down. “I’m not going to shy away from it,” he said. “If we have a problem with it, let’s handle it on the field. I want our defense to be successful, and everything I say comes from a good place.”
It’s clear that Heyward’s message isn’t about finger-pointing — it’s about restoring pride in a unit that’s been the backbone of Steelers football for decades. For him, leadership means being honest, even when it’s uncomfortable. And if there’s anyone who can inspire that locker room to respond, it’s the man who’s built his career on grit, accountability, and relentless effort.
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